Axially engaging medical connector system that inhibits fluid penetration between mating surfaces

ABSTRACT

A connector system for medical fluid includes a male connector and a female connector that have a closed configuration when detached from one another. The first end of the male connector is configured to mate with a first end of the female connector. When the male connector is coupled with the female connector, complementary structures engage to move seals away from ports in the male connector and the female connector, opening a fluid pathway through the connectors. The mating ends of the connectors are not exposed to the medical fluid when the connectors are coupled so that when the connectors are disconnected, the mating ends are substantially free of residual medical fluid.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/185,579, filed on Nov. 9, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/900,658, filed on Feb. 20, 2018, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,156,306, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/199,836, filed on Mar. 6, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,933,094,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 and 35 U.S.C. § 365(c) asa continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2012/054289,designating the United States, with an international filing date of Sep.7, 2012, titled MEDICAL CONNECTORS WITH FLUID-RESISTANT MATINGINTERFACES, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/533,138, filed Sep. 9, 2011, titled MEDICAL CONNECTORS WITH INCREASEDFLUID CONTAINMENT, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/557,793, filedNov. 9, 2011, titled MEDICAL CONNECTORS WITH FLUID-RESISTANT MATINGSURFACES, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/579,582, filed Dec. 22,2011, titled MEDICAL CONNECTORS WITH FLUID-RESISTANT MATING SURFACES,U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/607,429, filed Mar. 6, 2012, titledMEDICAL CONNECTORS WITH FLUID-RESISTANT MATING SURFACES, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/692,516, filed Aug. 23, 2012, titledMEDICAL CONNECTORS WITH FLUID-RESISTANT MATING SURFACES. The entirecontents of each of the above-identified patent applications areincorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specificationfor all that they disclose. Any and all priority claims identified inthe Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are herebyincorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This invention relates generally to medical connectors through whichfluids flow, and in particular, to medical connectors with increasedfluid containment.

Description of the Related Art

Systems of connectors, valves, and tubing are routinely used inhospitals and other medical settings for facilitating the transfer offluids to and from patients. It is often a challenge to keep suchsystems sterile and to avoid leakage or external residues of fluids(e.g., liquids and/or vapors) when the various components are engagedand disengaged.

In some medical applications, such as certain chemotherapy treatments,the fluids in the tubing and connectors can be harmful if released, evenin relatively small amounts, especially after repeated exposures. Inorder to maintain a barrier against many types of fluid leakage, and toimpede the ingress or egress of microbes or debris, connectors have beenprovided with closures, such as septa, flexible seals, or otherimpediments, at their mating ends. When a first connector is engagedwith a second connector, the closure of one or both connectors istemporarily opened, pierced, or moved to allow fluid to flow between thetwo connectors. But these connectors may permit undesired fluid release,such as by transfer or vaporization of fluid remnants on the mating endsof the connectors after disconnection. These connectors have otherdrawbacks and disadvantages.

SUMMARY

Disclosed in some embodiments are medical connectors with increasedfluid containment, isolation of fluid from, and/or lessening orelimination of fluid residue on, mating ends of the connectors,fluid-resistant mating interfaces, dry disconnections, and/or improvedconnection systems or mechanisms for securing the connectors together.In some embodiments, a dry disconnect medical connector has no fluidresidue or leakage on the outside of the connector upon disconnection.In some embodiments, a dry disconnect medical connector has noappreciable fluid residue or leakage on the outside of the connectorupon disconnection, such that any small amount of fluid residue orleakage does not present any significant functional disadvantages orsignificant health hazards to patients or healthcare providers. It iscontemplated that any features, components, or steps of the variousembodiments disclosed herein, and/or incorporated by reference herein,are combinable and/or replaceable to form additional embodiments. Suchcombinations and/or replacements are contemplated and are within thescope of this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a coupling system for transferring fluid comprisesa first connector. The first connector can have a first central axis, afirst end, a second end, and a male portion. In some embodiments, thefirst connector includes a valve member located at least partially in aninterior space of the male portion and configured to transition betweenan opened position and a closed position. The valve member can have afirst end and a second end. In some embodiments, the valve member caninclude a valve passageway extending within the valve member between thefirst end and the second end of the valve member. The valve member caninclude at least one port near the first end of the valve member. Insome embodiments, the valve member can have a first mating surface onthe first end of the valve member. The first end of the valve member canbe configured to inhibit the passage of fluid from the valve passagewaypast the first end of the valve member when the valve member is in theclosed position. In some embodiments, the first connector includes abiasing member configured to bias the valve member to the closedposition. The coupling system can include a second connector configuredto transition between an opened configuration and a closedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the second connector includes a second housinghaving a second central axis, a first end configured to receive the maleportion of the first housing, and a second end. The second connector caninclude a fluid conduit located at least partially within an interiorspace of the second housing and having a first end, a second end, aconduit passageway extending within the fluid conduit between the firstend and the second end of the fluid conduit, at least one port near thefirst end of the fluid conduit extending through the fluid conduit andinto the conduit passageway, and a second mating surface configured toreleasably mate with the first mating surface of the valve member. Insome embodiments, the second connector includes a sealing elementlocated at least partially within an interior space of the secondhousing and having a first end, a second end, a biasing portion betweenthe first end and the second end of the sealing element, and an apertureat the first end of the sealing element sized and shaped to correspondwith the size and shape of the first end of the fluid conduit. Thesealing element can be configured to inhibit fluid flow out from theconduit passageway through the at least one port of the fluid conduitwhen the second connector is in the closed configuration. The firstconnector and the second connector can be configured to connect witheach other such that the valve member is transitioned to the openedposition and the second connector is transitioned to the openedconfiguration when the first connector is connected with the secondconnector. In some embodiments, first mating surface and the secondmating surface are configured to be coupled together in a manner thatinhibits fluid penetration between the first mating surface and thesecond mating surface when fluid flows through the first and secondconnectors.

In some embodiments, as disclosed above, the biasing member is a springor a flexible tube. The fluid conduit can be constructed from a rigid orsemi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the male portion of the firstconnector is an ANSI-compliant male luer tip and/or the first end of thesecond connector is an ANSI-compliant female luer tip. The fluid conduitcan be configured such that at least a portion of the fluid conduit isconfigured to enter the male portion of the first connecter when thefirst connector is connected to the second connector. In someembodiments, at least one of the first mating surface and the secondmating surface is constructed of a flexible material. The firstconnector can include a shroud portion having at least one engagementfeature, the at least one engagement feature configured to engage with acoupling feature of the second connector.

In some embodiments, the shroud portion has an internal cross-sectionalarea that is greater than the outer cross-sectional area of a portion ofthe second connector near the first end of the second connector. The atleast one engagement feature can be a tab with a hook, the hookconfigured to engage with the coupling feature of the second connector.In some embodiments, the tab can include a release structure configuredto facilitate release of the at least one engagement feature from thecoupling feature of the second connector. In some embodiments, therelease structure is a domed protrusion and/or at least one ridgeprotruding from the at least one tab. The coupling feature can be anannular channel on an outer surface of the second connector. In someembodiments, the tab includes a longitudinal ridge. The second connectorcan include an abutment feature configured to limit passage of theshroud portion past the first end of the second connector. The abutmentfeature can have an outer cross-sectional area that is greater than theinner cross-sectional area of the shroud portion, the abutment featurecomprising one or more flanges located on an outer surface of the secondconnector. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid conduitis configured to enter into the male portion of the first connector whenthe first connector is connected to the second connector. The maleportion can be configured such that at least a portion of the maleportion of the first connector enters into the interior space of thesecond housing when the first connector is connected with the secondconnector. The various features, components, and characteristicsdescribed above can be combined with, or substituted for, one another inorder to perform varying modes of the disclosed inventions.

A method of transferring a fluid from a fluid source to a fluid receivercan include connecting the fluid source to a first connector. The firstconnector can comprise a first housing having a first central axis, afirst end, a second end, and a male portion, the second end configuredto sealingly engage with the fluid source. In some embodiments, thefirst connector includes a valve member located at least partially in aninterior space of the male portion and configured to transition betweenan opened position and a closed position, the valve member comprising afirst end and a second end, a valve passageway extending within thevalve member between the first end and the second end of the valvemember, at least one port near the first end of the valve member, and afirst mating surface on the first end of the valve member. The first endof the valve member can be configured to inhibit the passage of fluidfrom the valve passageway past the first end of the valve member whenthe valve member is in the closed position. In some embodiments, thefirst connector includes a biasing member configured to bias the valvemember to the closed position. The method of transferring fluid from afluid source to a fluid receiver can include connecting the fluidreceiver to a second connector configured to transition between anopened configuration and a closed configuration. The second connectorcan comprise a second housing having a second central axis, a first endconfigured to receive the male portion of the first housing, and asecond end configured to connect with the fluid receiver.

In some embodiments, the second connector includes a fluid conduitlocated at least partially within an interior space of the secondhousing and having a first end, a second end, a conduit passagewayextending within the fluid conduit between the first end and the secondend of the fluid conduit, at least one port near the first end of thefluid conduit extending through the fluid conduit and into the conduitpassageway, and a second mating surface configured to releasably matewith the first mating surface of the valve member. In some embodiments,the second connector includes a sealing element located at leastpartially within an interior space of the second housing and having afirst end, a second end, a biasing portion between the first end and thesecond end of the sealing element, and an aperture at the first end ofthe sealing element sized and shaped to correspond with the size andshape of the first end of the fluid conduit, the sealing elementconfigured to inhibit fluid flow out from the conduit passageway throughthe at least one port of the fluid conduit when the second connector isin the closed configuration. The method of transferring fluid caninclude connecting the first connector to the second connector, whereinthe valve member transitions from the closed position to the openedposition and the second connector transitions to the openedconfiguration upon connection between the first connector and the secondconnector. In some embodiments, the method includes transferring thefluid from the fluid source, through the first connector, through thesecond connector, and into the fluid receiver and disconnecting thefirst connector from the second connector, wherein the first matingsurface and second mating surface remain free of the fluid afterdisconnection from each other.

The method of transferring fluid can include connecting a male luerconnection of the fluid source to the second end of the first connector.In some embodiments, connecting the fluid receiver to the second end ofthe second connector further includes connecting a female luerconnection of the fluid receiver to the second end of the secondconnector. The method can further include connecting an engagementfeature of the first connector with a coupling feature of the secondconnector. In some embodiments, the method includes inserting at least aportion of the fluid conduit into the male portion when the firstconnector is connected to the second connector. According to somevariants, the method can include inserting at least a portion of themale portion into the first end of the second connector when the firstconnector is connected to the second connector. The various steps,features, components, and characteristics described above can becombined with, or substituted for, one another in order to performvarying modes of the disclosed inventions and methods.

A method of manufacturing a coupling system for fluid transfer cancomprise providing a first connector including a first housing having afirst central axis, a first end, a second end, and a male portion. Thevalve member can be located at least partially in an interior space ofthe male portion and can be configured to transition between an openedposition and a closed position. In some embodiments, the valve membercomprises a first end and a second end, a valve passageway extendingwithin the valve member between the first end and the second end of thevalve member, at least one port near the first end of the valve member,and a first mating surface on the first end of the valve member. Thefirst end of the valve member can be configured to inhibit the passageof fluid from the valve passageway past the first end of the valvemember when the valve member is in the closed position. In someembodiments, the first connector includes a biasing member configured tobias the valve member to the closed position. The method ofmanufacturing can include providing a second connector configured totransition between an opened configuration and a closed configurationincluding a second housing having a second central axis, a first endconfigured to receive the male portion of the first housing, and asecond end. In some embodiments, the second connector includes a fluidconduit located at least partially within an interior space of thesecond housing and having a first end, a second end, a conduitpassageway extending within the fluid conduit between the first end andthe second end of the fluid conduit, at least one port near the firstend of the fluid conduit extending through the fluid conduit and intothe conduit passageway, and a second mating surface configured toreleasably mate with the first mating surface of the valve member. Asealing element can be located at least partially within an interiorspace of the second housing and can have a first end, a second end, abiasing portion between the first end and the second end of the sealingelement, and an aperture at the first end of the sealing element sizedand shaped to correspond with the size and shape of the first end of thefluid conduit, the sealing element configured to inhibit fluid flow outfrom the conduit passageway through the at least one port of the fluidconduit when the second connector is in the closed configuration. Themethod of manufacturing can include connecting the first end of thefirst connector to the first end of the second connector such that thesecond connector is transitioned to the opened configuration and thevalve member is transitioned to the opened position when the firstconnector is connected to the second connector. In some embodiments, thefirst mating surface and the second mating surface are configured to becoupled together in a manner that inhibits fluid penetration betweenthem when fluid flows through the first and second connectors.

A closeable male connector configured to connect to a female connectorcan include a housing having a first central axis, a first end, a secondend, and a male portion. In some embodiments, the male connectorincludes a valve member located at least partially in an interior spaceof the male portion and configured to transition between an openedposition and a closed position, the valve member comprising a first endand a second end, a valve passageway extending within the valve memberbetween the first end and the second end of the valve member, at leastone port near the first end of the valve member, and a first matingsurface on the first end of the valve member, wherein the first end ofthe valve member is configured to inhibit the passage of fluid from thevalve passageway past the first end of the valve member when the valvemember is in the closed position. According to some variants, the maleconnector includes a biasing member configured to bias the valve memberto the closed position. The first mating surface can be sized and shapedto releasably mate with a second mating surface on a female connectorsuch that the valve member is transitioned to the opened position themale connector is connected with the second connector. In someembodiments, the first mating surface is configured to be couple withthe second mating surface in a manner that inhibits fluid penetrationbetween the first mating surface and the second mating surface whenfluid flows through the male and female connectors.

A closeable female connector configured to connect to a male connectorcan be configured to transition between an opened configuration and aclosed configuration and can comprise a housing having a second centralaxis, a first end configured to receive the male portion of the firsthousing, and a second end. In some embodiments, the female connectorcomprises a fluid conduit located at least partially within an interiorspace of the housing and having a first end, a second end, a conduitpassageway extending within the fluid conduit between the first end andthe second end of the fluid conduit, at least one port near the firstend of the fluid conduit extending through the fluid conduit and intothe conduit passageway, and a mating surface. The female connector caninclude a sealing element located at least partially within an interiorspace of the housing and having a first end, a second end, a biasingportion between the first end and the second end of the sealing element,and an aperture at the first end of the sealing element sized and shapedto correspond with the size and shape of the first end of the fluidconduit, the sealing element configured to inhibit fluid flow out fromthe conduit passageway through the at least one port of the fluidconduit when the female connector is in the closed configuration. Thefemale mating surface can be configured to releasably mate with a malemating surface of a male connector, and can be configured to be couplewith the male mating surface in a manner that inhibits fluid penetrationbetween the female mating surface and the male mating surface when fluidflows through the male and female connectors.

A coupling system for transferring medical fluid having an open stageand a closed stage can comprise a first connector. The first connectorcan comprise a first housing with a first central axis, the firsthousing comprising a first end with a male portion and a second end. Avalve member can be disposed at least partially in an interior space ofthe male portion, the valve member comprising a closed end, a firstpassageway extending through the valve member, at least one port nearthe closed end of the valve member extending through the valve memberand into the first passageway, and a first mating surface on the closedend. In some embodiments, the first connector includes a biasing memberfunctionally coupled to the valve member. The coupling system caninclude a second connector having a second housing with a second centralaxis, the second housing comprising a first end configured to accept themale portion, and a second end. In some embodiments, the secondconnector includes a fluid conduit disposed at least partially in aninterior space of the second housing, the fluid conduit comprising aclosed end, a second passageway extending through the fluid conduit, atleast one port near the closed end of the fluid conduit extendingthrough the fluid conduit and into the second passageway, and a secondmating surface on the closed end configured to couple with the firstmating surface. The second connector can include a sealing memberdisposed within the second housing, the sealing member comprising afirst end, a second end, and a biasing portion between the first end andthe second end, the first end comprising an open aperture in both theopen and closed stages, and the size and shape of the first endgenerally corresponding with the size and shape of the closed end of thefluid conduit, the sealing member configured to resist fluid flowthrough the at least one port of the fluid conduit. In some embodiments,the first mating surface and the second mating surface are configured tobe coupled together in a manner that resists fluid penetration betweenthem when fluid flows through the connectors.

According to some variants, a coupling system for transferring medicalfluid can have an open stage and a closed stage and can comprise a firstconnector. In some embodiments, the first connector includes a firsthousing with a first central axis, the first housing comprising a firstend with a male portion and a second end, the male portion having aninner cross-sectional area. The first connector can include a valvemember disposed at least partially in an interior space of the maleportion, the valve member comprising a closed end with a cross-sectionalarea, a first passageway extending between through the valve member, atleast one port near the closed end of the valve member extending throughthe valve member and into the first passageway, and a first matingsurface on the closed end. In some embodiments, the first connectorincludes a biasing member functionally coupled to the valve member. Thecoupling system can include a second connector having a second housingwith a second central axis, the second housing comprising a first endconfigured to accept the male portion, and a second end. The secondconnector can include a fluid conduit disposed at least partially in aninterior space of the second housing, the fluid conduit comprising anopened end, a closed end, a second passageway extending between theopened end and the closed end, at least one port near the closed end ofthe fluid conduit extending through the fluid conduit and into thesecond passageway, and a second mating surface on the closed endconfigured to couple with the first mating surface. According to someembodiments, the second connector includes a sealing member disposedwithin the second housing, the sealing member comprising a first end, asecond end, a biasing portion between the first end and the second end,and an opening on the first end of the sealing member having across-sectional area in the open stage that is greater than or equal tothe inner cross-sectional area of the male portion. The first matingsurface and the second mating surface can be configured to be coupledtogether in a manner that resists fluid penetration between them whenfluid flows through the connectors.

A coupling system for transferring medical fluid can have an open stageand a closed stage and can comprise a first connector having a firsthousing with a first central axis, the first housing comprising a firstend with a male portion and a second end. In some embodiments, the firstconnector includes a valve member disposed at least partially in aninterior space of the male portion, the valve member comprising a closedend with a cross-sectional area, a first passageway extending betweenthe valve member and the second end of the first housing, at least oneport near the closed end of the valve member extending through the valvemember and into the first passageway, and a first mating surface on theclosed end. The first connector can include a biasing memberfunctionally coupled to the valve member. In some embodiments, thecoupling system includes a second connector having a second housing witha second central axis, the second housing comprising a first endconfigured to accept the male portion, and a second end. In someembodiments, the second connector includes a fluid conduit disposed atleast partially in an interior space of the second housing, the fluidconduit comprising an opened end, a closed end, a second passagewayextending between the opened end and the closed end, at least one portnear the closed end of the fluid conduit extending through the fluidconduit and into the second passageway, and a second mating surface onthe closed end configured to couple with the first mating surface. Asealing member can be disposed within the second housing, the sealingmember comprising a first end, a second end, a biasing portion betweenthe first end and the second end, and an opening on the first end of thesealing member having a cross-sectional area in the open stage that isgreater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the valve member.In some embodiments, the first mating surface and the second matingsurface are configured to be coupled together in a manner that resistsfluid penetration between them when fluid flows through the connectors.

According to some variants, a medical system for transferring medicalfluid can include a first connector having a first housing with a firstcentral axis, the first housing comprising a first end with a maleportion and a second end. In some embodiments, the first connectorincludes a valve member disposed at least partially in an interior spaceof the male portion, the valve member comprising a closed end, a firstpassageway extending through the valve member, at least one port nearthe closed end of the valve member extending through the valve memberand into the first passageway, and a first mating surface on the closedend. The first connector can include a biasing member functionallycoupled to the valve member. In some embodiments, the medical systemincludes a second connector having a second housing with a secondcentral axis, the second housing comprising a first end configured toaccept the male portion, and a second end. The second connector caninclude a fluid conduit disposed at least partially in an interior spaceof the second housing, the fluid conduit comprising a closed end, asecond passageway extending through the fluid conduit, at least one portnear the closed end of the fluid conduit extending through the fluidconduit and into the second passageway, and a second mating surface onthe closed end configured to couple with the first mating surface. Insome embodiments, the second connector has a sealing element disposedwithin the second housing and configured to resist fluid flow throughthe at least one port of the fluid conduit, the sealing elementcomprising a biasing portion. According to some configurations the firstmating surface and the second mating surface are configured to becoupled together in a manner that resists fluid penetration between themwhen fluid flows through the connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of this invention will now be discussed in detailwith reference to the following figures. These figures are provided forillustrative purposes only, and the invention is not limited to thesubject matter illustrated in the figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a male connectoradjacent an embodiment of a female connector.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of an embodiment of a male connector attachedto tubing configured to receive fluid from a hanging gravity-fed IV bag.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the male connector of FIG. 1A in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 2C shows a side view of an embodiment of the connector of FIG. 1Abeing connected to a female connector attached to tubing inserted into apatient.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a male connector in aclosed position.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 3 again in a closed position, showing certain internal features ofthe male connector in dashed lines.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the male connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the female end of the embodiment of the maleconnector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the male connectorshown in FIG. 3, taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the maleconnector shown in FIG. 3, taken along curve 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the male connectorshown in FIG. 3, taken along the line 9-9 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the embodiment of themale connector shown in FIG. 3, taken along curve 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member of themale connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a resilient member ofthe male connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sealing member ofthe male connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a luer tip seal of themale connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 a perspective view of an embodiment of a first cap component ofthe male connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the first cap component shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second cap componentof the male connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the second cap component shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the second cap component shownin FIG. 17, taken along the line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20A is a side view of a coupled component threadedly engaged withthe embodiment of the male connector shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 20B is a side view of a coupled component substantially fullythreadedly engaged with the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 20C is a side view of a coupled component substantially fullythreadedly engaged with another embodiment of a male connector.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a female connector ina closed position.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the embodiment of the female connector shownin FIG. 21 again in a closed position.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the female connector shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the embodiment of the female connector shownin FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the femaleconnector shown in FIG. 21, taken along the line 25-25 in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of thefemale connector shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid conduit of thefemale connector shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressible sealelement of the female connector shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the embodiment of a male connector adjacentthe embodiment of a female connector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIG. 29,taken at line 30-30 in FIG. 29.

FIG. 30A shows a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIG.29.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the embodiment of a male connector coupled tothe embodiment of a female connector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 32 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIG. 31taken at line 32-32 in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a male connectoradjacent another embodiment of a female connector.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the male connectorshown in FIG. 33 in a closed position.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 34 again in a closed position.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the male connector shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the maleconnector shown in FIG. 35.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a male housing of themale connector shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member of themale connector shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a luer tip seal of themale connector shown in FIG. 34.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the female connectorshown in FIG. 33 in a closed position.

FIG. 42 is a side view of the embodiment of the female connector shownin FIG. 41 again in a closed position.

FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the female connector shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the femaleconnector shown in FIG. 42.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of thefemale connector shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid conduit of thefemale connector shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first cap componentof the female connector shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressible sealelement of the female connector shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 49 is a side view of the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 33 adjacent the embodiment of the female connector shown in FIG.41.

FIG. 50 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 49.

FIG. 50A shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a side view of the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 33 coupled to the embodiment of the female connector shown in FIG.41.

FIG. 52 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a male connectoradjacent another embodiment of a female connector.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the male connectorshown in FIG. 53 in a closed position.

FIG. 55 is a side view of the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 54 again in a closed position.

FIG. 56 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the male connector shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of the maleconnector shown in FIG. 55.

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a male housing of themale connector shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 58A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a male housing.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member of themale connector shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a luer tip seal of themale connector shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 61 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the female connector shown in FIG. 53.

FIG. 62 is a side view of the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 53 adjacent the embodiment of the female connector shown in FIG.61.

FIG. 63 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 62.

FIG. 63A shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 62.

FIG. 63B shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of aconnector system including the male housing of FIG. 58A.

FIG. 64 is a side view of the embodiment of the male connector shown inFIG. 53 coupled to the embodiment of the female connector shown in FIG.61.

FIG. 65 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 64.

FIG. 66 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector of FIG. 3adjacent a female portion of another medical implement.

FIG. 67 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector of FIG. 3 inengagement with the medical implement of FIG. 66.

FIG. 68 shows a perspective of the male connector of FIG. 3 adjacent asyringe with a male luer tip.

FIG. 69 shows a perspective view of the components of FIG. 68 afterengagement.

FIG. 70 shows a cross-sectional view of the male connector and the maleluer tip of the syringe of FIG. 69.

FIG. 71 shows a perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 3 locatedwith its first end adjacent a needle assembly with a female luerattachment portion and with its second end adjacent a syringe with amale luer tip.

FIG. 72 shows a perspective view of the components of FIG. 71 inengagement.

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of the male connector, male luer tipof the syringe, and needle assembly of FIG. 72.

FIG. 74 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of amale connector.

FIG. 75 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of afemale connector.

FIG. 76 shows a cross-sectional side view of the male connector of FIG.74 adjacent to the female connector of FIG. 75.

FIG. 77 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 76.

FIG. 78 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of afemale connector.

FIG. 79 shows a cross-sectional side view of the male connector of FIG.74 adjacent the female connector of FIG. 78.

FIG. 80 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 79.

FIG. 81 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of amale connector.

FIG. 82 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of afemale connector.

FIG. 83 shows a cross-sectional side view of the male connector of FIG.81 adjacent the female connector of FIG. 82.

FIG. 84 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 83.

FIG. 85 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of amale connector.

FIG. 86 shows a cross-sectional side view of the male connector of FIG.85 adjacent the female connector of FIG. 82.

FIG. 87 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 86.

FIG. 88 shows a cross-sectional side view of a connector system.

FIG. 89 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 88.

FIG. 90 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of amale connector.

FIG. 91 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of afemale connector.

FIG. 92 shows a cross-sectional side view of the male connector of FIG.90 adjacent the female connector of FIG. 91.

FIG. 93 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 93.

FIG. 94 shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of amale connector.

FIG. 95 shows a cross-sectional side view of the male connector of FIG.94 adjacent the female connector of FIG. 91.

FIG. 96 shows a cross-sectional side view of the connector system ofFIG. 95.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, the present application describes a variety ofmeans for increasing fluid containment such as by producing drydisconnections, isolating the mating ends of connectors from residualfluids, and/or resisting fluid ingress between mating ends ofconnectors. In some embodiments, closing mechanisms function to preventand/or impede fluid from contacting, remaining upon, and/orcontaminating the mating ends of a connector, while allowing fluid flowwhen the connectors are engaged with one another. As used herein, termssuch as “closed” or “sealed” are intended to have their ordinary meaningin this field and should be understood to include obstructions orbarriers to fluid flow. These terms should not be understood to requirethat a particular structure or configuration achieves a complete fluidclosure in all circumstances; rather, the terms refer to a fluid closureto the degree required in the particular circumstances in which thedevices are intended to be used.

FIG. 1 illustrates a connector system 20 according to an embodiment ofthe present application, having a male connector 100 and a femaleconnector 400. A first end 112 of the male connector 100 can releasablycouple with a first end 402 of the female connector 400. The first ends112, 402 are configured such that a fluid passageway 156 of the maleconnector 100 can be fluidly connected to the fluid passageway 418 ofthe female connector 400 when the first ends 112, 402 are coupledtogether. When the male connector 100 and female connector 400 aredisconnected, the fluid pathways 156, 418 are closed to fluid transfertherethrough. The coupling between the male connector 100 and femaleconnector 400 is configured so that either or both of the first ends112, 402 are dry, leak-resistant, and/or substantially or entirely freeof residual fluids after the connectors are disconnected. In thiscontext, “substantially free” is used in accordance with its ordinarymeaning in this field and applies when any negligible amount of residualfluid remaining on an external surface after disconnection or afterclosure is small enough as to present no significant functionaldisadvantages or health hazards in the particular application in whichthe connector system is employed. In this context, “dry” is used inaccordance with its ordinary meaning in this field and applies whenthere is no fluid residue readily perceptible to the naked eye on anexternal surface after disconnection or after closure or when there isvirtually no fluid residue readily perceptible using standardinstruments or testing protocols (e.g., blotting tests, microscopy, orother tests) on an external surface after disconnection or afterclosure. In some embodiments, the mating interface of the connectors100, 400 is fluid resistant when the connectors 100, 400 are connected,and both or at least one of the male 100 or female 400 connectors aresubstantially or entirely free of residual fluid after the connectorsare disconnected.

In FIG. 2A, an embodiment of a closable male connector 100 is shown in aclosed position. In some embodiments, the male connector 100 can beattached to tubing connected to a gravity-fed IV bag 9 filled with fluidhanging from a pole stand 11. At the bottom of the bag 9, a section oftubing 13 is attached. The opposite end of the tubing 13 can beconnected to the first end 112 of the male connector 100. A closingmechanism on the interior of the second end 114 of the male connector100 can prevent the fluid contained within the bag 9 from flowingthrough the tubing 13 and leaking out of the male connector 100, as longas the male connector 100 remains in a closed configuration.

In FIG. 2B, the male connector 100 is illustrated in an open position.Fluid can flow out into the first end 112 of the male connector 100 andout of the second end 114 of the male connector 100. In this example ofa male connector 100, a health care provider can move the male connector100 into this configuration by grasping the second end of the closablemale connector 100 with two fingers, grasping the tubing 13 with twoother fingers, and gently moving the fingers in opposite directions.

The IV delivery system illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B can be easilyreadied for fluid communication with a patient. In most circumstances,the tubing 13 is filled with air when it is initially connected to theIV bag 9. If the other end of the tubing 13 is connected to a closedconnector, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the air cannot escape and fluidcannot enter the tubing 13 from the IV bag 9. The male connector 100 istherefore manually moved into the opened position until all of the airhas been purged through the male connector 100 and the fluid from the IVbag 9 fills the tubing 13 and male connector 100. This procedure isknown as “priming.” As soon as the fluid line and connector are properlyprimed, the health care provider can quickly release the opposing forcesapplied to the second end 114 of the male connector 100 and the tubing13, and the closing mechanism of the male connector 100 can rapidly stopthe flow of fluid through the male connector 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, a catheter 17 has been inserted into apatient's arm 15. The catheter 17 penetrates the skin of the arm 15 andis preferably fluidly connected with the patient's bloodstream. Thecatheter 17 is also connected to a length of medical tubing 19 which canbe attached to a female connector 400. The example of a female connector400 illustrated in FIG. 2C is a version of the Clave® connectormanufactured by ICU Medical, Inc., San Clemente, Calif. Variousembodiments of a connector of this type are illustrated and described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,685,866, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. It is contemplated that many of the male connectorembodiments disclosed herein can be used with other types of femaleconnectors. The tubing 19, catheter 17, and female connector 400 can beprimed with fluid using standard procedures. The male connector 100 canbe primed as described previously and brought into engagement with thefemale connector 400. As described in further detail below, when themale connector 100 and female connector 400 are engaged, fluid ispermitted to flow from the IV bag 9 into the patient. When the maleconnector 100 and female connector 400 are disengaged, fluid is onceagain prevented from flowing out of the second end 114 of the maleconnector 100. In general, fluid is also prevented from flowing out ofthe opening in the female connector 400.

Additional embodiments of the connector system, some of which aredisclosed herein, can be used in the illustrated fluid system, and invarious modifications and alternatives thereof. Other embodiments ofconnector systems that can be used, in whole or in part, with thepresent inventions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,614 and U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0287920, both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Further, it iscontemplated that the various embodiments of connectors in accordancewith the inventions can be used in a wide variety of additional medicalfluid systems. For example, the disclosed connectors can also be used totransfer bodily fluids such as blood, urine, or insulin, nourishingfluids, and/or therapeutic fluids such as fluids used in chemotherapytreatments. The disclosed connectors can also be used to interconnectvarious other components of fluid transfer systems.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a closeable male connector 100. Anyof the components comprising the male connector 100 can comprise any ofthe configurations, features, components, and/or materials of any of theother male connectors described herein and/or modifications thereof.Additionally, any of the other connectors described herein can compriseany of the configurations, features, and components of the maleconnector 100. For example, the features relating to preventing orinhibiting disconnection can be used with any suitable medical or otherfluid connector.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective view and side views, respectively, of thecloseable male connector 100 in a first or closed position. In FIG. 4,some of the internal features of an embodiment of the closable maleconnector 100 are shown in phantom lines. FIG. 5 is an explodedperspective view of the components of the embodiment of the closeablemale connector 100 shown in FIG. 3. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, thecloseable male connector 100 can have a first end 112 and a second end114. The first end 112 can be configured to mate with the femaleconnector 400. In some embodiments, the first end 112 can include aprotrusion 144 (see FIG. 7) that is configured to be inserted into thefemale connector 400. In some embodiments, the first end 112 cancomprise a male luer tip 122 and a valve member 116 (see FIGS. 5 and11). The luer tip 122 and valve member 116 can be supported by a malehousing 123. The valve member 116 can be coupled to, and/or biased in aparticular position against, the male housing 123 by a resilient member118.

An end cap portion 130 (also referred to as an end cap or a femalemember) can be coupled to the male housing 123 near the second end 114of the closeable male connector 100. One or more of the components ofthe end cap portion 130 can be integral or unitary with the housing.With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the end cap 130can comprise a first cap component 132 (also referred to as a firstmember) and a second cap component 134 (also referred to as a secondmember) that can be coupled together. With reference to FIG. 18, in someembodiments, the second cap component 134 can comprise an outer surface134 a that is generally tapered, generally conical, or substantiallyfrusto-conical in shape. However, in some embodiments, the outsidesurface 134 a can be substantially cylindrical or can have any otherdesired shape. The first cap component 132 can have external threads136. As mentioned, the embodiment of a closeable male connector 100shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is in a closed position. In the closed position,valve member 116 can cooperate with male luer tip 122 to resist,substantially impede, or close the flow of fluid through the maleconnector 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the male housing 123 can have a shroud 124surrounding the luer tip 122. The shroud 124 can have a securing orattaching structure, such as internal threads 126. The internal threads126 and luer tip 122 can form a male luer engagement that conforms toANSI specifications for male connectors. In some embodiments, thesecuring or attaching structure 126, and/or the shape of the tip 122,form a male engagement that is non-standard (e.g., it does not conformto ANSI specifications for male luer connectors). The end cap 130 canhave a receptacle shape that conforms to ANSI standards for femaleconnectors and can receive a male connecting component of anotherconnector, syringe, or other medical implement. In some embodiments, theend cap 130 is configured to be non-standard (e.g., non-compliant withANSI standards). In some configurations, the end cap 130 or any otherconnecting components of any connectors described herein can beconfigured to engage only with specially-designated, non-standardcomponents (e.g., the tip 122) of other connectors, syringes, or othermedical implements, as a safety precaution, to ensure thathigh-sensitivity medical fluids, such as chemotherapy drugs, are notmistakenly infused through standard IV lines into the wrong patient orinto the wrong tubing of the right patient. The external threads 136 canbe disposed to threadedly engage corresponding internal threads of amale connecting portion of the coupling component. The luer tip 122 nearthe first end 112 of the male connector 100 can have a mating surface128 at the end that is configured to form a substantially leak-free sealwith at least a portion of the mating surface 466 of the compressibleseal element 460, as explained further below. In the illustratedembodiment, the mating surface 128 is a thin annular ring at the end ofthe luer tip 122.

The valve member 116 can be at least partially enclosed by the malehousing 123. As shown, the male housing 123 can have at least one sideopening 125, exposing at least a portion of the valve member 116 and/orallowing at least a portion of the resilient member 118 to pass into theinside of the male housing 123. In some embodiments, male housing 123can comprise two side openings 125 which can be disposed opposite eachother on the sides of the male connector 100. In some embodiments, sideopening 125 can extend part way along the male housing 123 (such as in acentral region of the male housing 123 as shown) to provide increasedstrength in the housing near the second end 114. In the illustratedembodiment, the resilient member 118 can be coupled with the valvemember 116 near the side openings of the male housing 123. The externalouter surface 127 of the housing can be contoured. For example, theexternal surface of the housing can include a narrower portion near thecentral region of the male housing 123, or a generally hour-glass-shapedouter surface, or a larger cross-section portion(s) near the ends. Theseshapes can provide tactile confirmation of the proper placement of auser's fingers on the male connector 100 during use and/or provide amore comfortable gripping surface. In some embodiments, an outwardprojection or projections (not shown) can be incorporated on theresilient member 118 to provide additional or more effective grippingsurfaces on the male connector 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9 and 11, the valve member 116 can have aclosure end 144 that blocks the flow of fluids through the maleconnector 100 in the closed configuration. The valve member 116 can havea mating surface 146 that can include a first alignment structure, suchas a cavity 147, that can be coupled with a second alignment structure,such as a complementary or corresponding protrusion 490, on a first end482 of the fluid conduit 480. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity147 is a generally circular indentation. In some embodiments, the cavitycan have a plurality of different types of shapes, such as rectangular,square or polygonal in shape. In some embodiments, the cavity can be onthe first end 482 of the fluid conduit 480 and the protrusion can bedisposed on the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116. The cavity147 and protrusion 490 can help to align and to closely connect themating surfaces of the male connector 100 with the mating surfaces ofthe female connector 400. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the firstand second alignment structures are each shaped to closely correspond inmating relationship with the other such that virtually no space existsbetween them when they are in contact with each other. In someembodiments, as illustrated, the first and second alignment structurescontact each other in a fluid-resistant manner such that no appreciableamount of fluid can seep in between them during fluid transfer throughthe connectors.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the closure end 144 ofthe valve member 116 can comprise an outer region, such as a ringportion, that has a smaller surface area than an inner region, such ascavity 147. The outer region can be substantially flat, as shown,followed by a first abrupt or sharp change in shape, such as a firstcorner portion, and downward side portion, followed by another abrupt orsharp change in shape, such as second corner portion, and then agenerally flat bottom portion. At least one of the corner portions canbe generally curved or round, which can help with swabability in someembodiments. As illustrated, the multiple changes in shape can be formedby one or more intersections of generally perpendicular surfaces. Insome embodiments, one or more changes in shape can further resist,diminish, or inhibit ingress of fluids between the contacting connectorends. Moreover, as illustrated, complementary non-planar matingsurfaces, including those with multiple changes in shape, can resist orinhibit lateral movement (e.g., rocking or shifting) between the matingends during connection, thereby resisting or inhibiting seepage of fluidbetween such ends.

In some embodiments, either or both of the respective contacting ends ofthe male luer connector and female connector can comprise a resilientmaterial that is compressible. As the ends come together, either or bothcan be compressed, thereby further tightening the contact anddiminishing any gap between the ends to further resist or inhibit fluidingress between these mating structures. The resilient material can beapplied or positioned at the ends in many ways, including by a coatingor overmolding process, a resilient constriction or retraction force,adhesive, solving bonding, etc.

A luer tip seal 119 can be disposed in the interior of the luer tip 122,as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 7 and 9. In the illustrated embodiment, theluer tip seal 119 is disposed between the male housing 123 and the valvemember 116 to form a seal between the valve member 116 and the luer tipseal 119 in the closed position. In some embodiments, an interferencefit between the valve member 116 and the luer tip seal 119 inhibitsfluid from flowing out of the luer tip 122. The luer tip seal 119 can bemade of a resilient material that helps forms the seal, as discussedbelow. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the luer tip seal 119can be tapered, decreasing in diameter toward the mating surface 176 ofthe luer tip seal 119. The end of the valve member 116 can also betapered, decreasing in diameter toward the mating surface 146 of thevalve member 116. The substantially matched tapering surfaces of theluer tip seal 119 and the valve member 116 can assist in providing aleak-resistant or leak-free closure of the male connector 100. In someembodiments, the natural outer diameter or cross-section of the matingsurface 146 of the valve member 116 can be slightly larger than thenatural inner diameter or cross section of the luer tip seal 119 tofurther diminish or eliminate any gap between them and to increase thesealing effect between them.

As shown in the embodiment of the male connector 100 illustrated in FIG.3, the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116 is disposed generallyflush across the luer tip 122 when the male connector 100 is in theclosed position. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the mating surface146 of the valve member 116 is swabable (e.g., cleansable with asweeping, rotating, and/or wiping motion of an antiseptic-applyinginstrument) between or before connections. The mating surface, asillustrated, can be free from substantial gaps, indentations, openings,protrusions that would prevent or unduly interfere with effective motioncontact with an antiseptic-applying instrument in order to effectivelykill or remove microbes and debris to the degree that is clinicallynecessary. In some embodiments, the mating surface 146 of the valvemember 116 can be configured to extend further beyond the mating surface128 of the luer tip 122 when the male connector 100 is in the closedposition. In some embodiments, the mating surface 146 of the valvemember 116 can be recessed within the luer tip 122.

The male connector 100 can be manipulated to a second or open position.In the open position, the valve member 116 can be retracted from theluer tip 122, thereby allowing the fluid in the valve member 116 to exitfrom the ports 162 and around the closure end 144. As will be describedin greater detail below, fluid can pass from the luer receptacle at thesecond end 114 through the interior of the male connector 100 and exitthe valve member 116 when the male connector 100 is in the openedconfiguration. The fluid can then enter the fluid conduit 480 of thefemale connector 400, as discussed below. When closed, fluid is impededor blocked from passing through the male connector 100 under normaloperating conditions.

A biasing member can be provided in the form of a resilient member 118.The resilient member 118 can be constructed of a material thatelastically deforms. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the male housing123 can remain coupled to the valve member 116 by the resilient member118 when the male connector 100 is moved to the open position. In theillustrated embodiment, the change in relative positions of the malehousing 123 and valve member 116 can cause at least a portion of theresilient member 118 to extend. Consequently, the resilient member 118exerts a closing force on the male housing 123 and valve member 116,biased toward returning the male connector 100 to a closed state. Theamount of tension carried by the resilient member 118 can be adjusted byvarying the distance by which the male housing 123 and valve member 116are separated, by increasing the thickness of the resilient member 118,and/or by construction of the resilient member 118 from a variety ofmaterials having different elastic properties. In some embodiments, theforce required to open the male connector 100 is configured to be highenough to produce an adequate, reliable seal to prevent accidental orunintentional opening. In some embodiments, the difficulty of openingthe connector is controlled at least in part by the tension carried bythe resilient member 118. In some embodiments, the biasing member 118can be configured as a spring or other elastic or resilient compressibleor expanding member, positioned inside the male housing 123 for biasingthe valve member 116 to the closed position. Movement of the maleconnector 100 to the open position can compress such a biasing member,and movement of the male connector 100 to the closed position can allowthe biasing member to expand.

FIGS. 6-11 show the male connector 100 in the first or closed position.As can be seen in these figures, valve member 116 can comprise at leastone actuating member, such as a strut 150. In the illustratedembodiment, the valve member 116 comprises two struts 150. In someembodiments, the valve member 116 can comprise more than two struts 150.In some embodiments, each strut 150 can extend from approximately themiddle of the valve member 116 toward the first end 112 of the maleconnector 100. The struts 150 can be located around the luer tip 122,but within the male housing 123, as shown. The struts 150 can be locatedwithin the inner diameter of the inner threads 126. In some embodiments,the struts 150 can be positioned to contact with at least a portion of afemale luer receptacle as it engages with the luer tip 122.

With reference to FIG. 3, the resilient member 118 can comprise at leasta first ring 174 and at least one securing ring 172. In someembodiments, the resilient member 118 can comprise more than one ring174 or more than one securing ring 172. The first ring 174 can bedisposed in an indented groove 148 in the outer surface of the malehousing 123 toward the first end 112. The resilient member 118 can betight enough around the male housing 123 to keep the first ring 174 inplace when a force is exerted on the resilient member 118 by a change inrelative positions of the male housing 123 and the valve member 116. Insome embodiments of the connector, the securing ring or rings 172 can bedisposed around the valve member 116 in various patterns, as disclosedin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0287920, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a passageway 156 can extend through a portionof the valve member 116 near the first end 112. The passageway 156 canbe circular in cross-section, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, orthe passageway 156 can have other cross-sectional geometric shapes. Thepassageway 156 can have at least one port 162 near the first end 112. Inthe illustrated embodiment, two ports 162 are located on opposite sidesof the valve member 116 and are circular, though other locations andshapes can be used.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the male connector 100 is in aclosed position, and the relative positions of the valve member 116 andmale housing 123 can create a chamber disposed between the passageway156 and the luer receiver 158. The chamber 154 can be in fluidcommunication with the passageway 156. The chamber 154 can be wider thanthe passageway 156, as illustrated. In some embodiments, chamber 154 canhave generally the same diameter as the passageway 156. In someembodiments, chamber 154 can have a smaller diameter as compared to thepassageway 156. The chamber 154 can also be configured with anon-circular cross-section in any other appropriate shape. The chamber154 can be bounded on the end toward the second end 114 of the malehousing 123 by the plunger 170.

The plunger 170 can be a portion of the end cap 130 extending towardsvalve member 116. The plunger 170 can have a conduit 194 through it. Theconduit 194 can place the chamber 154 in fluid communication with theluer receiver 158. The plunger 170 can have an outer dimensionsufficient to substantially close one end of the chamber 154, as shown.In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger 170 can be circular so as tomatch the geometry of the chamber 154, but other geometric shapes can beused, as appropriate.

The plunger 170 can have an outer dimension that is comparable to theinner dimension of the wall of the valve member 116 creating the chamber154, but that does not contact such wall to permit relative movementbetween the components. To inhibit fluid from escaping past the plunger170, a seal such as an O-ring 160 can be disposed in a groove 169 behindthe plunger 170. The O-ring 160 can contact the wall of the valve member116, as shown, inhibiting fluid from flowing out of the chamber 154. Insome embodiments, the plunger 170 is a portion of the end cap 130. Theend cap 130 can be fixed with the male housing 123 through sonicwelding, an adhesive, or any other suitable method for coupling. In theillustrated embodiment, end cap 130 is coupled to male housing 123 withsonic welds 131. One such weld 131 has a substantially triangular shapeas shown, though other shapes are also possible. Accordingly, theplunger 170 can be considered to be in a static position relative to themale housing 123. In some embodiments, the plunger 170 is formedunitarily or integrally with the male housing 123 and the end cap 130 isa separate piece appropriately attached to the male housing 123 such asby sonic welding. In some embodiments, the second cap component 134 canbe integrally or unitarily formed with the male housing 123. However, aswill be described in greater detail below, the first cap component 132can also be formed separately as compared to the second cap component134 or the male housing 123.

As shown in FIG. 7, fluid can flow into the luer receiver 158 and passto the conduit 194. From the conduit 194, fluid can pass to the chamber154 and from the chamber 154 into the passageway 156. As shown in theillustrated embodiment, when the male connector 100 is in the closedposition, the valve closure end 144 of the valve member 116 can seal thehole in the luer tip 122, preventing fluid from passing out the end ofthe luer tip 122. Fluid generally can, however, exit the passageway 156through the ports 162 in the valve member 116. The fluid can reside inthe interior of the luer tip 122, but can be prevented from flowing outof the luer tip 122 by the luer tip seal 119 and prevented from flowingback towards the second end 114 on the outside of valve member 116 by asealing member 120. Accordingly, when the male connector 100 is in theclosed position, as illustrated, there generally can be fluidcommunication between the luer receiver 158 and the interior of the luertip 122, without permitting fluid to exit the first end 112 of the maleconnector 100.

The male connector 100 can be changed to the open configuration whenmated with a female connector 400. When the first end 402 of the femaleconnector 400 is engaged with the first end 112 of the male connector100, a coupling portion 446 of the female connector 400 can engage theshroud 124 of the male connector 100. The luer tip 122 at leastpartially advances into the female connector 400 and the fluid conduit480 in the female connector 400 engages the valve member 116 to push thevalve member 116 toward the second end 114 of the male connector 100.The connection of the male connector 100 and female connector 400 isdescribed in further detail below.

In some embodiments, when the valve member 116 is displaced toward thesecond end 114, the valve closure end 144 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) separatesfrom the luer tip 122, withdrawing the ports 162 from the luer tip seal119. Accordingly, fluid can flow around the closure end 144 and into acoupled female connector 400. The sealing member 120 can inhibit fluidfrom exiting the interior of the luer tip 122 towards the second end 114of the male connector 100. Accordingly, in the open position, fluid canpass from the luer receiver 158 through the conduit 194, chamber 154,passageway 156, port or ports 162 in the valve member 116, into theinterior of the luer tip 122, and into a port in the female connector400.

As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 116 canbe displaced toward the second end 114 of the male connector 100, closerto the end cap 130. Accordingly, the wall portion of the valve member116 containing the terminus of the passageway 156 is positioned closerto the plunger 170 portion of the end cap 130. The volume of the chamber154 can be reduced when the male connector 100 is in the open position.

Correspondingly, when the male connector 100 is changing from an openposition to a closed position, the volume of the chamber 154 canincrease as the valve member 116 shifts toward the first end 112 of themale connector 100. As the volume of the chamber 154 increases, thevalve closure end 144 of the valve member 116 advances towards the firstend 112 to seal the hole in the luer tip 122. If no additional fluid isintroduced into the male connector 100 through the luer receiver 158,the existing fluid in the luer tip 122 can be drawn back through theports 162, through the passageway 156 towards the chamber 154 by thevacuum effect created when the volume of the chamber 154 increases. Insome embodiments, fluid can be inhibited from exiting the hole in theluer tip 122 as the valve closure end 144 moves into place in the holebecause the fluid can instead be drawn back to the chamber 154. In someembodiments, fluid near the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116is encouraged to move into the interior of the male connector 100 ratherthan remain near the mating surface 146 as the valve member 116 movestoward the first end 112 of the male housing 123, thereby reducing thepossibility of exposing the mating surface 146 to the fluid.

If, however, additional fluid is still being introduced into the maleconnector 100 through the luer receiver 158, the additional fluid canadvance to the chamber 154 and collect there as the valve member 116moves toward the first end 112 to close the luer tip 122. In this case,pressure from the newly-introduced fluid can be inhibited from forcingfluid to flow out the luer tip 122 as the luer tip seal 119 seals theluer tip 122. Accordingly, fluid flow can be permitted through the maleconnector 100 while a female connector 400 is coupled with the first end112 of the male connector 100, but inhibited while the female connector400 is being disengaged and after the female connector 400 has beendecoupled.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to inhibit certain medicines fromcontacting the skin or being inhaled. Thus, the male connector 100advantageously assists in retaining fluid within the male connector 100while substantially eliminating remnant fluid on the luer tip 122 whenit is being decoupled from a female connector 400 or other connection.Reducing the likelihood of remnant fluid remaining on the luer tip 122after decoupling results in a corresponding reduction in the chance ofexposure of toxic medicine to a user or a patient.

FIGS. 11-15 are perspective views of the valve member 116, the resilientmember 118, the sealing member 120, the luer tip seal 119, and the firstcap component 132, respectively, of the embodiment of the closeable maleconnector 100 shown in FIG. 3. As previously discussed, the resilientmember 118 can have a first ring 174 that is disposed in the groove 148of the male housing 123. The resilient member can extend towards thesecond end 114. The valve member 116 can have a plurality ofoutwardly-extending protrusions to support the resilient member 118. Inparticular, with reference to FIG. 10, the valve member 116 can comprisea plurality (e.g., four) notch flanges 168. The securing ring 172 (shownin FIG. 12) can be secured around the valve member 116 and held in placeby the notch flanges 168. However, the valve member 116 can comprise anynumber of flanges in addition to or alternatively to the notch flanges168 to secure the resilient member 118 or the securing ring 172 of theresilient member 118 to the valve member 116. In the illustratedembodiment, the inside surfaces 168 a of the notch flanges 168 canprovide lateral support to the bands 1296 of the resilient member 118 soas to prevent the bands 1296 from sliding laterally relative to thevalve member 116. Additionally, the aft surfaces 168 b of the notchflanges 168 can prevent the securing ring 172 of the resilient member118 from sliding axially in the direction of the mating surface 146 ofthe valve member 116. In other embodiments, the resilient member 118 cancomprise two or more, or, essentially, any number of rings or bands.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 11, one or more of the ports 162can be located near the mating surface 146, or as far back as ispractical from the mating surface 146, before the sealing member 120.The ports 162 can be circular, as illustrated, or can have other shapes.The male connector 100 can be adapted to be opened when placed in matingengagement with a female connector 400. For example, the femaleconnector 400 can include an engagement member such as, but not limitedto, a complementary surface, a spike or other protrusion which couldengage the valve closure face 144 to open the male connector 100. Insome embodiments, a manually actuated slider or button can beappropriately configured to open the male connector 100. The struts 150are shown extending toward the first end 112 of the valve member 116.There can be one, two, or more struts 150. In some embodiments, the maleconnector 100 does not include struts 150.

Turing now to FIG. 13, the sealing member 120 is described in greaterdetail. In some embodiments, the sealing member 120 is substantiallycylindrical and has a bore 180 extending therethrough. In someembodiments, the sealing member 120 further comprises a pair ofgenerally rectangular protrusions 182 extending from the sidewalls ofthe cylindrical portion at diametrically opposed positions. Theprotrusions 182 can have different shapes and/or positions. The sealingmember 120 can also have a generally smaller-diameter middle portion 184surrounded by two rings 186 at either end with larger diameters.

The sealing member 120 can be constructed from a number of differentmaterials. In some embodiments, the sealing member 120 is made from asilicon-based deformable material. Silicon-based deformable materialsare among those that form generally fluid-tight closures with plasticsand other rigid polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the sealingmember 120 can be made from substantially the same material as theresilient member 118.

With reference to FIG. 14, the luer tip seal 119 can be substantiallycylindrical with an opening 178 extending along the longitudinal axis ofthe luer tip seal 119. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner edgeopposite the mating surface 176 of the luer tip seal 119 has a chamferedor tapering edge 179. For example, as illustrated, the edge 179 can havea larger diameter or cross-section near the proximal end of the seal 119than at a position that is spaced distally from the proximal end of theseal 119 such that the wall of the seal 199 is thicker in a distalregion than in a proximal region. In some embodiments, as illustrated,the outer diameter or cross section of the seal 119 is generally similarin size to the length (e.g., the distance from the distal to theproximal face) of the seal 119. The luer tip seal 119 can be constructedfrom a number of different materials. In some embodiments, the luer tipseal 119 can be made from a silicon-based deformable material.Silicon-based deformable materials are among those that formsubstantially fluid-tight closures with plastics and other rigidpolymeric materials. In some embodiments, the luer tip seal 119 can bemade from substantially the same material as the resilient member 118.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the first cap component 132 can havea covering portion 192 shaped and configured to substantially cover and,in some embodiments, seal a portion of the second end 114 of the malehousing 123. The luer receiver 158 can extend away from the coveringportion 192. The luer receiver 158 can be appropriately sized to couplewith a male luer portion (see, e.g. FIG. 20A) conforming to ANSIstandards for luer devices. The luer receiver 158 can have externalthreads 136 to engage the male luer portion, as shown. In someembodiments, raised tabs or other protrusions can be used to engage themale luer portion.

In some embodiments, the plunger 170 is at the generally opposite regionof a portion of the first cap component 132 from the covering portion192. The plunger 170 can be sized and configured to substantially sealthe chamber 154 within the valve member 116. An indentation or slot 169between the covering portion 192 and the plunger 170 can be sized andshaped to accommodate a seal such as an O-ring 160. Additionally, insome embodiments such as that illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the firstcap component 132 can comprise a pair of protrusions or tabs 198 (alsoreferred to herein as locking elements or engaging surfaces) protrudingradially outward from the outer surface 200. In some embodiments, thefirst cap component 132 can comprise a pair of tabs 198 arranged so asto be diametrically opposing one another. In some embodiments, the firstcap component 132 can comprise only one tab 198 protruding from thesurface 200. In some embodiments, the first cap component 132 cancomprise more than two tabs 198 protruding from the surface 200. As willbe described in greater detail below, the tabs 198 can engage orinterlock with complementary tabs or protrusions on the second capcomponent 134 to prevent, at least temporarily, the first cap component132 from rotating relative to the second cap component 134 when the twocomponents are assembled together, as shown in FIG. 4 or 9.

Additionally the first cap component 132 can comprise an annular groove202 which, as will be described in greater detail below, can interactwith complementary features on the second cap component 134 to axiallyrestrain the movement of the first cap component 132 with respect to thesecond cap component 134. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the firstcap component 132 can also comprise an angled or tapered surface 204 anda rounded surface 206 both positioned between the annular groove 202 andthe plunger 170. As will be described in greater detailed below, theangled or tapered surface 204 and rounded surface 206 can facilitate thecoupling or assembly of the first cap component 132 to the second capcomponent 134. In some embodiments, the first cap component 132 cancomprise only an angled or tapered surface 204 or a rounded surface 206.In other embodiments, the first cap component 132 can be configured soas to not comprise either of those two features. In some embodiments,the first cap component 132 and/or the second cap component 134 cancomprise any suitable features, lubricants, or materials to facilitatethe coupling of the first cap component 132 and the second cap component134, or, as will be discussed, to facilitate the rotation of the firstcap component 132 relative to the second cap component 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 198 are substantiallyrectangular in cross-section. However, the geometry of the tabs 198 isnot so limited. The tabs 198 can comprise any suitable or desiredcross-sectional geometry, such as, but not limited to, a square,circular, or ovular geometry. In some embodiments, for example, aplurality of tabs 198 each defining a circular cross-section can bearranged in a linear fashion along a side of the first cap component132.

With reference to FIGS. 16-17, the second cap component 134 can comprisean array of protrusions or tabs 208 (also referred to herein as lockingelements or engaging surfaces) which protrude, in some embodiments, in aradially inward direction from the inside surface 210 of the second capcomponent 134, so as to create a radial array of depressions or channels209. With reference to FIG. 16, the first cap component 132 can beassembled with the second cap component 134 such that each of the one ormore tabs 198 formed on the first cap component 132 is positioned in oneor more of the depressions or channels 209 between each of the pluralityof tabs 208 formed on the second cap component 134. Accordingly, each ofthe one or more tabs 198 can be sized and configured such that theapproximate width (represented by “W1” in FIG. 16) of each of the one ormore tabs 198 formed on the surface 200 of the first cap component 132is less than the approximate width (represented by “W2” in FIG. 18) ofthe depressions or channels 209 between each of the tabs 208 formed onthe second cap component 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 208 are substantiallyrectangular in cross-section. However, the geometry of the tabs 208 isnot so limited. The tabs 208 can comprise any suitable or desiredcross-sectional geometry, such as but not limited to a square, circular,or ovular geometry.

Additionally, each of the one or more tabs 198 on the first capcomponent 132 can be configured to shear or break off before any of theplurality of tabs 208 on the second cap component 134 shear or breakoff. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each of the one or more tabs 198on the first cap component 132 can be configured so that the minimumapproximate amount of force or torque required to shear or break eachtab 198 away from the surface 200 on the first cap component 132 is lessthan the minimum approximate amount of force required to shear or breakany of the tabs 208 away from the inside surface 210 of the second capcomponent 134. In some embodiments, the minimum amount of force requiredto shear or break each tab 198 away from the surface 200 on the firstcap component 132 can be significantly less than the minimum amount offorce required to shear or break any of the tabs 208 away from theinside surface 210 of the second cap component 134.

In some embodiments, the tabs or protrusions that are configured toshear or break off can be formed on the second cap component 134 insteadof being formed on the first cap component 132, as described above. Inother words, in some embodiments, one or more tabs formed on the secondcap component 134 can be sized and/or configured the same as any of thetabs 198 described above, and one or more tabs formed on the first capcomponent 132 can be sized and/or configured the same as any of the tabs208 described herein such that the tabs formed on the second capcomponent 134 shear or break off before any of the tabs formed on thefirst cap component 132. In some embodiments, the configurations of thetabs 198 in the tabs 208 described above can be generally reversed. Ingeneral, other complementary engaging surfaces may be employed. In theillustrated embodiments, each of the components includes radiallyprojecting tabs. In some embodiments, one or the other of the componentsmay include appropriately sized slots for accommodating a radiallyprojecting tab.

In some embodiments, the approximate minimum amount of force required toshear or break each tab 198 away from the surface 200 on the first capcomponent 132 can be less than or equal to approximately one-third ofthe approximate minimum amount of force required to shear or break eachof the tabs 208 away from the inside surface 210 of the second capcomponent 134. In some embodiments, the approximate minimum amount offorce required to shear or break each tab 198 away from the surface 200on the first cap component 132 can be between approximately one-thirdand one-half of the minimum approximate amount of force required toshear or break any of the tabs 208 away from the inside surface 210 ofthe second cap component 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, where two tabs 198 are formed on thesurface 200, the amount of torque required to shear or break both of thetwo tabs 198 away from the surface 200 on the first cap component 132can be approximately 4 in-lbs. or more. In some embodiments, the amountof torque required to shear or break both of the two tabs 198 away fromthe surface 200 on the first cap component 132 can be approximately 3in-lbs. or more. In some embodiments, the amount of torque required toshear or break both of the two tabs 198 away from the surface 200 on thefirst cap component 132 can be approximately 5 in-lbs. or more.

With reference to FIG. 16, the cross-sectional area of each of the tabs198 can be based on the approximate length (represented by “L1” in FIG.16) and approximate width (represented by “W1” in FIG. 16) of each ofthe one or more tabs 198 at the surface 200 of the first cap component132. The tab 198 can be used to provide a band around the surface 200calculated by multiplying the length L1 of the tab 198 by thecircumference of the surface 200. In some embodiments, where each of theone or more tabs 198 is configured to shear away from the surface 200 ofthe first cap component 132 when the desired level of torque is reached,the aggregate cross-sectional area of the tab(s) 198 can besubstantially smaller than the band around the surface 200.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the aggregate cross-sectional area ofall of the one or more tabs 198 to the value of the outside diameter(represented by “D1” in FIG. 16) of the surface 200 of the first capcomponent 132 upon which each of the one or more tabs 198 can be formedor attached can be approximately 1 to 46 or higher. The cross-sectionalarea of each of the tabs 198 can be any suitable value that results ineach of the one or more tabs 198 shearing away from the surface 200 whenthe desired level of torque is reached. For example, in someembodiments, the ratio can be between approximately 1 to 60 andapproximately 1 to 30. In some embodiments, the ratio can be betweenapproximately 1 to 50 and approximately 1 to 40.

In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, where each of theone or more tabs 198 is configured to shear away from the surface 200 ofthe first cap component 132 when the desired level of torque is reached,the width W1 of each of the one or more tabs 198 can be substantiallysmaller than the outside diameter D1 of the surface 200 of the first capcomponent 132 upon which each of the one or more tabs 198 can be formedor attached. The width W1 of each of the tabs 198 can be any suitablevalue that results in each of the one or more tabs 198 shearing awayfrom the surface 200 when the desired level of torque is reached. Forexample, the one or more tabs 198 can be comparable in size or smallerthan the diameter of the fluid opening in plunger 170 and/or the luerreceiver 158. In some embodiments, the ratio of the aggregate width ofthe tabs 198 to the outside diameter D1 can be approximately 1 to 15 orhigher. In some embodiments, the ratio can be between approximately 1 to25 and approximately 1 to 10. In some embodiments, the ratio can bebetween approximately 1 to 16 and approximately 1 to 13. In someembodiments, multiple tabs 198 can be used wherein the widths W1 of eachtab are different, but the aggregate widths are calculated to reach thedesired level of torque to shear the tabs off.

Similarly, in some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, whereeach of the one or more tabs 198 is configured to shear away from thesurface 200 of the first cap component 132 when the desired level oftorque is reached, the length L1 of each of the one or more tabs 198 canbe substantially smaller than the outside diameter D1 of the surface 200of the first cap component 132 upon which each of the one or more tabs198 can be formed or attached. The length L1 of each of the tabs 198 canbe any suitable value that results in each of the one or more tabs 198shearing away from the surface 200 when the desired level of torque isreached. In some embodiments, the ratio of the aggregate length of thetabs 198 to the outside diameter D1 can be approximately 1 to 4 orhigher. In some embodiments, the ratio can be between approximately 1 to10 and approximately 1 to 2. In some embodiments, the ratio can bebetween approximately 1 to 5 and approximately 1 to 3. In someembodiments, multiple tabs 198 can be used wherein the widths W1 of eachtab are different, but the aggregate widths are calculated to reach thedesired level of torque to shear the tabs off.

In some embodiments, one or more tabs 198 can be configured such thatthe approximate width W1 of each of the one or more tabs 198 can besignificantly less than the approximate width (represented by “W3” inFIG. 18) of one or more of the plurality of tabs 208 formed on theinside surface 210 of the second cap component 134 to ensure that theone or more tabs 198 shear or break before any of the tabs 208.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the approximate width W1 of each ofthe one or more tabs 198 can be between approximately one-third or lessand approximately one-half or less of the approximate width W3 of eachof the plurality of tabs 208. Moreover, in some embodiments, there aremany more tabs 208 on the second cap component 134 than tabs 198 on thefirst cap component 132, thereby requiring greater torque to shear offthe greater number of tabs 208 on the second cap component 134.

In some embodiments, the material selected to form each of the one ormore tabs 198 can be the same as or different as compared to thematerial selected to form each of the one or more tabs 208. The strengthof the material chosen to form the tabs 198, 208 can affect the amountof torque required to shear the tabs 198, 208. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the tab 198, 208 that is desired to be sheared can beformed from a weaker, softer, or lower durometer material as compared tothe material used to form the tab 198, 208 that is desired to remainintact. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, it is desired thatthe tab 198 be sheared away from the surface 200 on the first capcomponent 132 when the desired level of torque between the first capcomponent 132 and the second cap component 134 is achieved. Thus, in theillustrated embodiment, the tab 198 can be formed from the weakermaterial as compared to the material used to form each of the tabs 208.However, because the cross-sectional area of the tabs 198, 208 can alsoaffect the amount of torque required to shear the tabs 198, 208, thematerial selected to form each of the tabs 198, 208 can be the same.

In some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, as mentioned,ensuring that the one or more tabs 198 shear or break before any of thetabs 208 can be achieved by also configuring each of the one or moretabs 198 such that the approximate cross-sectional area of each of theone or more tabs 198 is less than the cross-sectional area of each ofthe tabs 208 that is adjacent to and, hence, will contact each of theone or more tabs 198. With reference to FIG. 16, the cross-sectionalarea of each of the tabs 198 is based on the length (represented by “L1”in FIG. 16) and width (represented by “W1” in FIG. 16) of each of theone or more tabs 198. Similarly, width reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, thecross-sectional area of each of the tabs 208 is based on the length(represented by “L2” in FIG. 19) and width (represented by “W3” in FIG.18) of each of the one or more tabs 208.

In some embodiments, without consideration of material differences,where the one or more tabs 198 are designed to shear before any of thetabs 208, cross-sectional area of each of the one or more tabs 198 canbe substantially smaller than the cross-section of each of the one ormore tabs 208. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of each of the oneor more tabs 198 relative to the cross-sectional area of each of the oneor more tabs 208 can be significantly less than one. For example, insome embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, the ratio can beapproximately 1 to 14 or higher. In some embodiments, the ratio can bebetween approximately 1 to 25 and approximately 1 to 10. In someembodiments, the ratio can be between approximately 1 to 16 and 1 to 12.

Further, in some embodiments, as in the illustrated embodiment, theapproximate length (represented by “L1” in FIG. 16) of each of the oneor more tabs 198 is significantly less than the approximate length(represented by “L2” in FIG. 19) of each of the plurality of tabs 208formed on the inside surface 210 of the second cap component 134.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the approximate length L1 of each ofthe one or more tabs 198 can be between approximately one-third or lessand approximately two-thirds of the approximate length L2 of each of theplurality of tabs 208.

In some embodiments, the second cap component 134 can comprisedepressions or channels into which each of the one or more tabs 198formed on the first cap component 132 can be inserted when the first capcomponent 132 is coupled to the second cap component 134. In someembodiments, the number of depressions or channels formed on the secondcap component 134 can be equal to the number of tabs 198 formed on thefirst cap component 132. In some embodiments, the number of depressionsor channels formed on the second cap component 134 can be greater thanthe number of tabs 198 formed on the first cap component 132.

FIG. 20A is a side view of an example of a coupled component 212,showing the male connecting component of the coupled component 212partially threadedly engaged with the first cap component 132 of thecloseable male connector 100. FIG. 20A illustrates the end cap 130before the one or more tabs 198 protruding radially outwardly from thesurface 200 have been broken off. In FIG. 20A, the exemplifying coupledcomponent 212 is a syringe. However, the coupled component 212 can beany suitable connector or medical instrument having a male connectingcomponent. As illustrated therein, the coupled component 212 is onlypartially threadedly engaged with the first cap component 132 such thatthe torque that is exerted on the first cap component 132 from threadingthe coupled component 212 onto the first cap component 132 is less thanthe minimum threshold torque that is required to shear or break off eachof the tabs 198 from the first cap component 132. Thus, until theminimum threshold torque required to shear or break off each of the tabs198 is reached, the first cap component 132 can be rotationally fixed tothe second cap component 134 by the abutment of each of the one or moretabs 198 formed on the first cap component 132 against one or more ofthe plurality of tabs 208 formed on the second cap component 134.

When the coupled component 212 is substantially fully threadedly engagedwith the first cap component 132, further twisting of the coupledcomponent 212 will ultimately exert a torque on the first cap component132 that will exceed the minimum threshold torque required to break offthe tabs 198 from the first cap component 132. In some embodiments, theminimum threshold torque required to break off the tabs 198 is at leastapproximately 4 in-lbs. of torque. Once the tabs 198 have broken awayfrom the first cap component 132, the first cap component 132 is thenable to rotate substantially freely within the second cap component 134.However, the first cap component 132 can still be retained in thehousing by the abutment of the side surface 202 b against the sidesurface 214 b of the annular protrusion 214. Also, the O-ring 160 canprevent fluid exchange notwithstanding the ability of the first capcomponent 132 to rotate. In this way, the male connector 100 isprevented or inhibited from easily disconnecting from the coupledcomponent 212 because the torque needed for such disconnection wouldmerely spin the first cap component 132 relative to the male housing 123and/or the second cap component 134 without unscrewing or otherdisconnecting these cap components 132, 134 from each other. Moreover,in some embodiments, there is little or virtually no exposed outsidesurface area on the first cap component 132 for contact by the fingersof a user after the coupled component 212 is attached, thereby making itdifficult to apply opposing torque to the first cap component 132 andcoupled component 212 to enable disconnection. This can effectively“fuse” these two components together.

The use of tabs configured to be sheared off is not required, nor is itrequired to use other structures and configurations to allow threadableconnection between the end of the housing and the coupled component 212in a first stage and then to allow rotation without unscrewing in asecond stage to prevent or inhibit disconnection. The structuresillustrated and described for inhibiting disconnection between theconnectors 100, 400 are merely examples, and many other structures andmethods can also be used to inhibit disconnection. Also, in someembodiments, there are no structures or steps to inhibit disconnection.In some embodiments, a first and/or a second end of the housing ispermitted to rotate with respect to another portion of the housingwithout unscrewing or otherwise disconnecting during all stages of use.

FIG. 20B is a side view of the coupled component 212, showing the maleconnecting component of the coupled component 212 substantially fullythreadedly engaged with the first cap component 132 of the maleconnector 100. FIG. 20B illustrates the first cap component 132 afterthe one or more tabs 198′ have been broken off from the force exerted oneach of the one or more tabs 198 by one or more of the plurality of tabs208 formed on the inside surface 210 of the second cap component 134 inreaction to the twisting force transferred to the first cap component132 from the substantially fully threadedly engaged coupled component212. At this point, with each tab 198′ broken away from the outsidesurface 200 of the first cap component 132, the first cap component 132will be able to rotate substantially freely within the second capcomponent 134 without unscrewing. Any twisting motion applied to thecoupled member 212 in either rotational direction relative to the malehousing 123 in this arrangement will cause the first cap component 132to rotate in unison with the coupled member 212. The coupled member 212is thereby prevented from unthreading or otherwise becoming disengagedfrom the first cap component 132. Thus, in this manner, the maleconnector 100 is configured such that it cannot be removed or disengagedfrom the coupled member 212 after the male connector 100 and the coupledmember 212 have been substantially fully coupled together.

After the one or more tabs 198′ have been sheared or broken away fromthe first cap component 132, the covering portion 192 of the first capcomponent 132 can prevent each of the broken tabs 198′ from falling outof the male connector 100, as shown in FIG. 20B. Additionally, asillustrated in FIG. 7, the second cap component 134 can be configured toprevent the broken tab 198′ from moving into the interior space of themale housing 123. In particular, the second cap component 134 can beconfigured to comprise an annular protrusion 214 that can prevent thebroken tab or tabs 198′ from moving into the interior space of the malehousing 123.

FIG. 20C is a side view of an example of a coupled component 212substantially fully threadedly engaged with another embodiment of acloseable male connector 100′. In some embodiments, the closeable maleconnector 100′ can be similar or identical to the closable maleconnector 100 described herein. In some embodiments, the second capcomponent 134′ can be configured to comprise an annular space 138′adjacent to the tabs 208′. The annular space 138′ can be sized andconfigured such that, when the one or more tabs 198′ have broken awayfrom the first cap component 132′, the one or more tabs 198′ can fallinto and become contained within the annular space 138′.

In some embodiments, the first cap component 132 can be coupled to thesecond cap component 134 and, hence, coupled to the male connector 100,as described below. After the second cap component 134 has been attachedto the male housing 123 following any of the methods described herein orany other suitable methods, the first cap component 132 can then beco-axially aligned with the second cap component 134 and alsorotationally aligned so that the each of the one or more tabs 198 on thefirst cap component 132 is approximately aligned with the one or morespaces between the tabs 208 formed on the second cap component 134. Oncethe first cap component 132 is approximately axially and rotationallyaligned, the first cap component 132 can be inserted into the second capcomponent 134 by pushing the first cap component 132 against the secondcap component 134, while maintaining the approximate axial androtational alignment described above. With reference to FIGS. 7, 13, and16, the first cap component 132 can be pushed into the inner end untilthe first cap component 132 is positioned relative to the second capcomponent 134 such that the annular protrusion 214 formed on the secondcap component 134 is radially adjacent to (i.e., axially aligned with)the annular groove 202 formed on the first cap component 132. Inparticular, in this position, the opposing sides surfaces 214 a and 214b of the annular protrusion 214 formed in the second cap component 134can be positioned between the optionally opposing side surfaces 202 aand 202 b of the annular groove 202 formed in the second cap component134.

As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the first cap component 132 andthe second cap component 134 can be formed such that there will be asmall gap between the surfaces of the annular protrusion 214 and thesurfaces of the annular groove 202. This configuration can facilitaterotation of the first cap component 132 within the second cap component134, i.e., without friction between the surfaces 202 and 214, when theone or more tabs 198 have been sheared or broken off.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 7, the first cap component 132 andthe second cap component 134 can be sized and configured such that theside surface 202 b of the annular groove 202 can overlap the sidesurface 214 b of the annular protrusion 214 by an amount that issufficient to prevent the first cap component 132 from inadvertentlybeing pulled out of the second cap component 134. Additionally, thefirst cap component 132 and the second cap component 134 can be sizedand configured such that, as described above, the first cap component132 can be inserted into the second cap component 134 by axiallyaligning and pushing the first cap component 132 into the second capcomponent 134. Accordingly, if the side surface 202 b of the annulargroove 202 overlaps the side surface 214 b of the annular protrusion 214by too great of a distance, then it can be difficult in someconfigurations to couple the first cap component 132 with the second capcomponent 134 as described above.

To facilitate the insertion of the first cap component 132 into thesecond cap component 134, the first cap component 132 can be configuredto have an angled or tapered annular surface 204 and/or a roundedannular surface 206 forward of the annular groove 202, as shown in FIG.16. Similarly, the second cap component 134 can be configured to have anangled or tapered annular surface 216, to help align and essentiallysqueeze the first cap component 132 into the second cap component 134,as shown in FIG. 19.

Further, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the one or more tabs198 and the plurality of tabs 208 can comprise features and/or areconfigured to facilitate the insertion of the first cap component 132into the second cap component 134. For example, in some embodiments, asillustrated in FIG. 16, each of the tabs 198 can comprise angled ortapered front surfaces 198 a to help guide each of the tabs 198 into thespace between the tabs 208 formed on the second cap component 134.Similarly, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19, thetabs 208 on the second cap component 134 can comprise angled or taperedsurfaces 208 a to help guide each of the tabs 198 into the space betweeneach of the tabs 208. Additionally, in some embodiments, each of thetabs 208 can comprise an angled or tapered forward edge 208 b to atleast assist in axially aligning the first cap component 132 with thesecond cap component 134.

Any of the substantially rigid or semi-rigid components comprising theluer connecter 100, including but not limited to the first cap component132 and the second cap component 134, can comprise polycarbonateplastic, glass-filled polycarbonates, any other suitablewater-impermeable materials, or any combinations thereof. The componentscomprising the luer connecter 100 can also comprise a hydrophobicplastic. Other examples of materials suitable for construction of any ofthe substantially rigid or semi-rigid components comprising the luerconnecter 100 are glass-filled GE Valox 420 or polypropylene. Dependingon the application, many other materials can also be used.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, ofthe female connector 400 in a first or closed position. In someembodiments, the female connector 400 can comprise any of theconfigurations, features, or components of other female connectorsdescribed herein, and any of the other connectors described herein cancomprise any of the configurations, features, and components of thefemale connector 400. For example, the features relating to preventingor inhibiting disconnection can be used with any suitable medical orother fluid connector, on either or both of the female or male endsthereof.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the female connector 400 shown in FIG. 21. A fluid conduit480 with one or more ports 488 can be coupled to the female housing 440near the second end 404 of the female connector 400. One or more of thecomponents of the fluid conduit 480 can be integral or unitary with thefemale housing 440. The fluid conduit 480 can have a second end 484 witha male luer engagement 485. A seal element 460 can surround at least aportion of the fluid conduit 480. The seal element 460 can obstruct theports 488 on the fluid conduit 480 when the female connector 400 is in aclosed configuration. The compressible seal element 460 and fluidconduit 480 can be contained at least partially within the femalehousing 440.

With reference to FIG. 25, the female connector 400 can include a femalehousing 440 containing a seal element 460 and a fluid conduit 480. Afluid passageway 418 extends through the center of the fluid conduit480. A void space 412 is present between the seal element 460 and thefemale housing 440.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22 and 26, the female connector 400 can havea first end 402 and a second end 404. The first end 402 can beconfigured to mate with the male connector 100. In some embodiments, thefemale connector 400 can have a female housing 440 with a couplingportion 446 that is configured to be coupled to the male connector 100,as discussed further below. The coupling portion 446 can include acoupling structure that is complementary to the coupling structure onthe shroud 124 of the male connector 100. In the illustrated embodiment,the coupling portion 446 comprises external threads 411 that can couplewith the internal threads 126 on the shroud 124 of the male connector100. The external threads 411 can form a female luer engagement thatconforms to ANSI specifications for female connectors.

The female housing 440 of the female connector 400 can extend betweenthe first end 402 and the second end 404. In the illustrated embodiment,the female housing 440 has a generally cylindrical body 442. In otherembodiments, the body 442 can have a square cross-section, polygonalcross-section, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the couplingportion 446 can be integrally molded or otherwise formed with the femalehousing 440. In other embodiments, the coupling portion 446 can be aseparate component that is connected to the female housing 440, such asby welding, adhesives, or fasteners. A compressible, resilient sealelement 460 and a fluid conduit 480 are contained at least partiallywithin the female housing 440. In some embodiments, at least a portionof the female connector and/or the male connector can be translucent,such as at least a portion of housings and/or the seal element 460, topermit external visual inspection of the flow of fluid therein. Thehousing can comprise an external gripping surface, such as ridges 403,to facilitate holding and/or twisting the female connector 400.

With reference to FIG. 27, the fluid conduit 480 can have a first end482 and a second end 484. The first end 482 can have a mating surface486 that is configured to couple in close, non-planar correspondencewith the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116 to facilitatecontact between the mating surfaces 146, 486 that is slide-resistant(e.g., against lateral movement or rocking), and resistant to fluidingress between the mating ends 146, 486, especially during thetransition between the open and closed positions. In the region of thefirst end 482 can be at least one port 488 that is fluidly connected toa fluid passageway 418 (see FIG. 25) that extends through the interiorof the fluid conduit 480. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluidconduit 480 has a plurality of ports (e.g., two ports). In someembodiments, the fluid conduit 480 can have more than two ports 488. Thesecond end 484 of the fluid conduit 480 can be configured to couple toother medical devices such as connectors or devices. In the illustratedembodiment, the second end 484 has a male luer engagement 485 whichincludes a shroud with inner threads generally surrounding a male luertip. In some embodiments, the male luer engagement 485 conforms to ANSIspecifications for male medical connectors. The male luer engagement 485can receive a female connecting component of another medical device suchas a connector or syringe.

The second end 484 can also have features for coupling with the femalehousing 440. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 484 has acoupler 492, such as a tapered cam surface 492, that protrudes radiallyoutward and extends generally around the circumference of the fluidconduit 480. The coupler 492 can couple with a complementary coupler onthe female housing 440, such as a channel on the inner surface of thefemale housing 440. The coupler 492 can facilitate connection of thefluid conduit 480 and the female housing 440, and can help to preventthe fluid conduit 480 from separating from the female housing 440 in theaxial direction. The fluid conduit 480 can have rotation-resistantmembers, such as tabs 494, that can engage with correspondingrotation-resistant members, such as tabs, on the inner surface of thefemale housing 440. The rotation-resistant members, such as tabs 494,can help prevent the fluid conduit 480 from rotating relative to thehousing. In some embodiments, the couplers and/or rotation-resistantmembers can facilitate the manufacturing process by eliminating a needin this step for more expensive processes and materials involved inother attachment means, such as welding, bonding, or adhering thecomponents, which can also or alternatively be used. In someembodiments, the fluid conduit 480 can be attached to the female housing440 in other ways, such as through welding, bonding, adhesives, orfasteners.

Extending generally from the first end 482 to the second end 484 can bea generally rigid tube 487 with a fluid passageway 418 extending throughthe middle of the tube 487. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 487can comprise a protruding portion 491 that extends proximally from abase 495 of the fluid conduit 480 that is generally cylindrical in afirst portion 489 and generally frusto-conical in a second portion 487.In some embodiments, the tube can have other cross-sectional shapes,such as square, polygonal or oval. In some embodiments, the protrudingportion 491 can provide support for and assist in the lateralpositioning of the seal element 460, and the protruding portion 491 cancooperate with the seal element 460 to selectively open and close thefluid passageway 418. As illustrated, the first portion can comprise agenerally constant outer diameter or cross-sectional width to facilitateopening (e.g., by facilitating sliding of the seal element) and thesecond portion can taper or flare outwardly in the direction of a widerdistal region to facilitate an increasing sealing effect between theouter surface of the tube 487 and the inner surface of the bore 470 ofthe seal element 460 as the seal element 460 moves from the closed tothe open position.

In some embodiments, the protruding portion 491 can be substantiallyshorter (e.g., similar in shape to a boss or grommet) that can help toposition the seal element 460 without piercing or penetrating throughthe proximal portion of the seal element. In some embodiments, theprotruding portion 491 can be omitted. In some embodiments, includingsome in which there is no piercing or penetrating protruding portion491, the fluid transferred through the connector 402 in the open statecan flow around the outside surface of the seal element and exitdistally from the internal cavity 412 through one or more openings inthe base 495 or in a distal portion of the seal element 460 and into thefluid pathway 418.

In some embodiments, the connector 400 can comprise apressure-regulating member (e.g., a flexible variable-volume region)and/or a fluid-inhibiting member (e.g., a flexible second valve)positioned within the base or elsewhere within or in fluid communicationwith the connector 400. Some examples of pressure-regulating members andfluid inhibiting members are illustrated and/or described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2010-0249723 A1, published on Sep. 30, 2010,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the fluid passageway 418 can extend throughat least a portion of the fluid conduit 480. The fluid passageway 418can be circular in cross-section, as shown in the illustratedembodiment, or the fluid passageway 418 can have other cross-sectionalgeometric shapes. The fluid passageway 418 can have at least one port488 near the first end 482. In the illustrated embodiment, two ports 488are located on opposite sides of the fluid conduit 480 and are circularin shape, though other locations and shapes can be used. The ports 488can be located near and spaced distally from the mating surface 486 ofthe fluid conduit 480, or as far back as practical from the matingsurface 486 while still allowing fluid to enter the ports 488 when thefemale connector 400 is mated with the male connector 100. In someembodiments, the size of the ports 488 can be approximately onemillimeter in diameter, although irregular shapes and other sizes can beused. Ports of at least about 1 mm or approximately 1 mm-3 mm, or lessthan about 1 mm can also be used.

The fluid conduit 480 can be composed of a rigid material, such aspolycarbonate plastic, which is capable of resisting deformation when aforce sufficient to compress the seal element 460 is exerted upon thefemale connector 400. The ports 488 in the fluid conduit 480 can be incontact with and covered by the proximal end of the seal element 460 toresist or inhibit the fluid passageway 418 from being in fluidcommunication with the cavity 412 between the seal element 460 and theinner wall of the female housing 440.

With reference to FIG. 28, an embodiment of the seal element 460 isdescribed in greater detail. In some embodiments, the seal element 460is generally cylindrical and has a bore 470 extending therethrough. Insome embodiments, the seal element 460 can have a sealing portion 462and a collapsing portion 464. The sealing portion 462 can have an innerdiameter that is configured to obstruct the first end 482 of the fluidconduit 480 to inhibit the flow of fluids out of the ports 488.

In the illustrated embodiment, collapsing portion 464 has portions oflarger diameter separated by portions of smaller diameter, such that thecollapsing portion 464 decrease in the longitudinal length (e.g., byfolding, collapsing, compressing, or otherwise moving) when a force isapplied in the longitudinal distal direction. In some embodiments, thecollapsing portion 464 can be made of a resilient material such that arestoring force biases the collapsing portion 464 back to its startinglength when the collapsing force is removed. In some embodiments, thecollapsing portion 464 can have a plurality of different types ofconfigurations for providing a seal. In some embodiments, the sealelement can comprise a first end 466 with a generally round portion anda second portion 463 distal from the first end 466. The second portion463 can comprise a smaller outer diameter than the diameter of the firstend 466. One or more compressible elements 465 can be positioneddistally from the second portion 463. In some embodiments, the outerdiameter of the compressible elements 465 can be larger than the outerdiameter of either the first end 466 or the second portion 463. A distalportion can comprise an outer diameter that is generally the same sizeas the outer diameter of the compressible element(s).

A shoulder 468 can be disposed between the sealing portion 462 and thecollapsing portion 464. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 468is a portion having an enlarged diameter. As illustrated in FIG. 25, theshoulder 468 can engage with a surface of the female housing 440 toprevent the seal element 460 from overextending or exiting from thehousing. The placement of the shoulder 468 on the seal element 460 isconfigured so that when the shoulder 468 engages with the female housing440, the sealing portion 462 is positioned over the ports 488 on thefluid conduit 480.

The seal element 460 can be constructed of a material that elasticallyor resiliently deforms. The seal element 460 can be biased towardreturning the female connector 400 to a closed configuration. The amountof compression resistance of the seal element 460 can be adjusted inmany ways, such as by varying the length of the compressing portion 464or the length of the chamber in the female housing 440 where the sealelement 460 resides. The amount of compression resistance can also beadjusted by increasing the thickness of the seal element 460 and/or byconstruction of the seal element 460 from a variety of materials havingdifferent elastic properties. In some embodiments, the female connector400 is configured to be sufficiently resistant to opening to generallyprevent accidental or unintentional opening. The resistance to openingof the connector can be controlled at least in part by the compressionresistance carried by the seal element 460. In some embodiments, thecollapsing portion 464 can be configured as a spring positioned insidethe female housing 440 for biasing the seal element 460 to the closedconfiguration. Movement of the female connector 400 to the openconfiguration can compress the spring and movement of the femaleconnector 400 to the closed configuration can allow the spring to expandto release some or all of the compression.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 24, the coupling portion 446 on the firstend 402 of the female connector 400 can have a mating side 408 that isgenerally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the female connector400. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating side 408 has a generallyannular shape. The mating side 408 can have an opening in the middle forthe seal element 460, wherein a mating surface 466 of the seal element460 is exposed. The mating surface 466 of the seal element 460 isconfigured to form a leak-resistant and/or lateral-movement-resistantseal with the mating surface 128 of the male luer tip 122 and the matingsurface 176 of the luer tip seal 119. Near the center of the sealelement 460 can be an opening for the female connector fluid conduit480. A first end 482 of the fluid conduit 480 can have a mating surface486 configured to form a substantially leak-free seal with the matingsurface 146 of the valve member 116.

As shown in the embodiment of the female connector 400 illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 24, the mating surface 466 of the seal element 460 can besubstantially flush with the mating side 408 of the female connector400, and the end 466 of the seal element 410 can fill essentiallycompletely the inner diameter or cross section of the end 114 of thefemale connector 100. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 32,the outer diameter of the proximal seal end 466 is generally the samesize as the outer diameter of an ANSI-standard male medical luerconnector. In some embodiments, the mating surface 486 of the fluidconduit 480 can be substantially flush with the mating side 408 of thefemale connector 400. In some embodiments, the mating surface 466 of thecompressible seal element 460 and/or the mating surface 486 of the fluidconduit 480 can be configured to extend further beyond the mating side408 of the female connector 400 in the closed position. In someembodiments, the mating surface 466 of the seal element 460 and/or themating surface 486 of the fluid conduit 480 can be recessed withincoupling portion 446. In some embodiments, a portion of the matingsurface 466 of the compressible seal element and/or the mating side 408of the female connector 400 is substantially flush, extends beyond,and/or is recessed within the coupling portion 446, depending on thepurposes of the particular embodiment.

In some embodiments, the first end 482 of the fluid conduit 480 can havea protrusion 490 that couples with a complementary cavity 147 on themating surface 146 of the valve member 116. In the illustratedembodiment, the protrusion 490 is a generally cylindrical protrusionwith rounded edges. In some embodiments, the protrusion can have aplurality of different types of shapes, such as protrusions with agenerally rectangular, generally square or generally polygonalcross-sectional shape, to generally match the shape of the cavity 147 inthe mating surface 146 of the valve member 116. In some embodiments, theprotrusion can be disposed on the mating surface 146 of the valve member116 and the cavity can be on the first end 482 of the fluid conduit 480.The protrusion 490 and cavity 147 can help to align and to resistmovement (e.g., lateral movement) between the mating surfaces of themale connector 100 and the mating surfaces of the female connector 400.

The seal element 460 can obstruct the first end 482 of the fluid conduit480 to block the flow of fluids out of the ports 488 when the femaleconnector 400 is in the closed configuration. A sealing portion 462 ofthe seal element 460 can be disposed in the interior of coupling portion446 of the female housing 440, as illustrated in FIG. 25. In theillustrated embodiment, the sealing portion 462 of the seal element 460is disposed between the female housing 440 and the fluid conduit 480. Insome embodiments, an interference fit between the seal element 460 andthe fluid conduit 480 can inhibit fluid from flowing out of the firstend 402 of the female connector 400. The seal element 460 can be made ofa resilient material that helps form the seal.

The female connector 400 can be manipulated to a second or openconfiguration. In the open configuration, the sealing portion 462 of theseal element 460 can be pushed back toward the second end 404 of thefemale connector 400, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the ports488 in the fluid conduit 480. In the open configuration, fluid can enterthe fluid conduit 480 through the ports 488 and travel through the fluidpassageway 418, exiting through the male luer engagement 485 of thefluid conduit 480. In some embodiments, including some in which fluidflows around the outside of a seal element 460 rather than through it,the mating surface of the seal element 460 can include a surface shapewith an alignment structure (e.g., any alignment structures of the typedescribed and/or illustrated herein for the end of the protrudingportion 491) on its forward end. In some embodiments, the seal element460 does not have an opening and is closed on its mating end 466. Insome embodiments, the housing includes an aperture to permit evacuationof air from the interior of a compressing seal element 460.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to inhibit certain human contactwith some medicines (e.g., contact with the skin or inhalation ofvapors), especially with drugs for treating oncology or auto-immunedisorders. The female connector 400 can assist in retaining fluid withinthe female connector 400 while resisting remnant fluid on the first end402 of the female connector 400 when it is being decoupled and after itis decoupled from a male connector 100 or other connector. Reducing thelikelihood of remnant fluid remaining on the female connector 400 afterdecoupling can result in a corresponding reduction in the chance ofexposure of toxic medicine to the skin of a user or a patient.

With reference to FIGS. 29, 30 and 30A, the male connector 100 isdisplayed adjacent to a female connector 400. In the illustratedembodiment, both the male connector 100 and the female connector 400 arein a closed configuration. The female connector 400 is positioned withits first end 402 adjacent the first end 112 of the male connector 100.The male connector 100 can be threadedly engaged with the femaleconnector 400.

As illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, the male connector 100 can be changedto the open configuration when a female connector 400 is coupled to themale connector 100. The first end 402 of the female connector 400 canengage with the first end 112 of the male connector 100. The couplingportion 446 of the female connector 400 can engage with the shroud 124of the male connector 100 to engage the connectors 100, 400. Thecoupling portion 446 of the female connector 400 and the shroud 124 withluer tip 122 on the male connector 100 can conform to standard sizingfor connectors, such as those that meet ANSI standards. In someembodiments, engagement between the coupling portion 446 of the femaleconnector 400 and the shroud 124 can resist lateral movement between themating surface 146 of the valve member 116 and the mating surface 486 ofthe fluid conduit 480. In some embodiments, engagement between thecoupling portion 446 of the female connector 400 and the shroud 124 canresist tilting between the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116and the mating surface 486 of the fluid conduit 480. Resistance oflateral movement and/or tilting between the mating surfaces 146, 486 canhelp reduce the likelihood that either mating surface 146, 486 will beexposed to fluid from within the connectors 100, 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, the mating surface 486 of the fluid conduit480 can engage the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116. As themale connector 100 and the female connector 400 are brought together,the fluid conduit 480 can push the valve member 116 toward the secondend 114 of the male connector 100. As the valve member 116 is pushedtoward the second end 114 of the male connector 100, the ports 162 onthe valve member 116 are displaced away from the luer tip seal 119,allowing fluid to flow out through the ports 162. Thus, the maleconnector 100 is in an open configuration when the valve member 116 ispushed towards the second end 114.

With continued reference to FIG. 32, the mating surface 176 of the luertip seal 119 and the mating surface 128 of the male luer tip 122 canengage the mating surface 466 of the seal element 460. As the maleconnector 100 and the female connector 400 are brought together, themale luer tip 122 with the luer tip seal 119 can push the seal element460 toward the second end 404 of the female connector 400, compressingthe collapsing portion 464 of, or otherwise deforming or moving, theseal element 460. As the seal element 460 is pushed toward the secondend 404 of the female connector 400, the ports 488 on the fluid conduit480 are uncovered, allowing fluid to flow through the ports 480. In thisconfiguration, the female connector 400 is in an open configuration. Insome embodiments, as described herein, the fluid can flow around theoutside of the seal rather than through it and into ports 482 on theprotruding portion 491 (which can be omitted in some embodiments).

When the valve member 116 is pushed toward the second end 114 of themale connector 100, the resilient member 118 is stretched, producingtensile forces that exert a return force on the valve member 116 towardthe first end 112 of the male connector 100. Thus, in the openconfiguration of the male connector 100, the valve member 116 can bebiased toward the first end 112 toward a closed configuration.Similarly, when the seal element 460 is pushed toward the second end 404of the female connector 400, the collapsing portion 464 is compressedand a return spring force is exerted to bias the seal element 460 to itsoriginal length and toward a closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the resilient member 118 can exert a closing forceon the valve member 116 in a direction towards the first end 112 of themale connector 100. The mating surface 146 of the valve member 116generally can maintain contact with the mating surface 486 of the fluidconduit 480 throughout the engagement between the male connector 100 andthe female connector 400. In some embodiments, the mating surface 146 ofthe valve member 116 can have a cross-section that is substantially thesame as a cross-section of the mating surface 486 of the fluid conduit480. In some embodiments, the outer periphery of the mating surface 486of the fluid conduit 480 can be in contact with, and/or generallycomplimentary in shape with the outer periphery of the mating surface146 of the valve member 116 when the male connector 100 and/or femaleconnector 400 is in an open configuration.

In some embodiments, the mating surfaces of the male connector 100and/or the female connector 400 can be at least partially compressibleto help form a substantially leak-free or leak-resistant seal betweenthe mating surfaces. For example, the mating surface 146 of the valvemember 116 can be made of an elastomeric material that can seal with themating surface 486 of the fluid conduit 480 (which can itself be eitherflexible or rigid) so that fluid does not contact the mating surfaces ofthe male connector 100 and female connector 400. In some embodiments,the mating surface 486 of fluid conduit 480 can be made of anelastomeric material that can seal with the mating surface 146 of thevalve member 116 (which can itself be either flexible or rigid). In someembodiments, the fluid can flow around the seal formed by the two matingsurfaces 146, 486. In some embodiments, is impeded from passing withinthe periphery of the mating surfaces 146, 148 between the two matingsurface 146, 148. In some embodiments, as described herein, the fluidcan flow between the male connector 100 and the female connector 400without requiring the piercing of or penetration of a normally closedseptum. For example, the septum can comprise a constant opening throughwhich a fluid conduit can pass, or the fluid can flow around the outsideof a septum or other barrier. By sealing the mating surfaces from thefluid, the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116 and the matingsurface 486 of the fluid conduit 480 can remain dry after disconnectingthe two connectors 100, 400, and contamination to the health careprovider or surrounding environment can be diminished or eliminated.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the mating surface 146 of thevalve member 116 can be about the same as or smaller than thecross-section of the bore 470 of the seal element 460. In someembodiments, inner cross-section of the luer tip seal 119 can be smallerthan or about the same as the inner cross-section of the bore 470 of theseal element 460. In some embodiments, engagement between the peripheryof the bore 470 and the first end 112 of the male connector 100 can helpinhibit leakage of fluid to the mating surface 466 of the seal element460. For example, in some embodiments, the periphery of the bore 470 canengage with the mating surface 176 of the luer tip seal 119 and form asubstantially fluid tight seal between the fluid path within the twoconnectors and the mating surface 466 of the seal element 460. Bysealing the mating surface 466 of the seal element 460 from the fluid,the mating surface 466 can remain dry during and after fluid transferand lower the risk that a health care provider could be exposed to thefluid.

In some embodiments, the inner cross-section of the luer tip seal 119can be smaller than or about the same as the outer cross-section of therigid tube 487 near the first end 482 of the fluid conduit 480. In someembodiments, the luer tip seal 119 can “wipe” the outer surface of therigid tube 487 as it passes through the luer tip seal 119 during openingand/or closing of the valve member 116. In some variants, wiping of theouter surface of the rigid tube 487 as it passes through the luer tipseal 119 can help inhibit the congregation of or leakage of fluid in theregion of the first end 402 of the female connector 400. As explainedabove, in some embodiments, the natural outer cross-section of themating surface 146 of the valve member 116 can be slightly larger thanthe natural inner cross section of the luer tip seal 119. In someembodiments, the luer tip seal 119 can wipe the outer surface of thevalve member 116 as the valve member 116 moves toward a closedconfiguration from an open configuration. In some implementations,wiping of the outer surface of the valve member 116 can help reduce thelikelihood of fluid congregation or leakage in the region of the firstend 112 of the male connector 100 during and/or after disengagementbetween the mating surface 486 of fluid conduit 480 and the matingsurface 146 of the valve member 116. By preventing congregation orleakage of fluid in the region of the first end 112 of the maleconnector 100 and/or in the region of the first end 402 of the femaleconnector 400, the luer tip seal 119 can help to reduce the likelihoodthat health care providers would be exposed to the fluid.

As described above, the mating surface 146 of the valve member 116 canhave a cavity 147 that can accept a complementary protrusion 490 on themating surface 486 of the fluid conduit 480. In other embodiment thecavity can be on the fluid conduit 480 and the protrusion can be on thevalve member 116. The cavity 147 and protrusion 490 can help to alignthe male connector 100 and female connector 400 during coupling so thatthe components align for proper displacement of parts. In someembodiments, the cavity and protrusion can have a circularcross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the cavity and protrusioncan be any of a plurality of different types of shapes, such as squareor polygonal.

With reference to FIG. 32, in the open configuration, fluid can flowbetween (to or from) the tubing 13 at the second end 114 of the maleconnector 100, into the end cap portion 130, through the chamber 154,through the passageway 156, out the ports 162 on the valve member 116,into the luer tip 122, into the ports 488 on the fluid conduit 480,through the passageway 418, and out the male luer engagement 485 at thesecond end 404 of the female connector 400. In the open configuration,the second end of the male connector 100 is placed in fluidcommunication with the second end 404 of the female connector 400.Additionally, the sealing member 120 in the male connector 100 canmaintain a fluid barrier between the inner surface of the luer tip 122and the inner surface of the housing 123, confining the flow of fluidwithin the fluid pathway of the female connector 400. In the illustratedexample, the central mating interface between the male and femaleconnectors is positioned in the fully open configuration within a neckportion of the female connector, or within an outer region of theproximal opening of the female connector, and inside of the male luertip 122 or outer sleeve.

In some embodiments, the connectors 100, 400 can be threadedlydisengaged. During engagement, the force stored in the stretching of theresilient member 118 can return the male connector 100 to itspre-engaged state by biasing the valve member 116 to engage the innersurface of the luer tip 122. Likewise, the resilient material of theseal element 460 allows the seal element 460 to return to its shape inthe closed configuration where the sealing portion 462 can seal theports 488 on the fluid conduit 480.

FIG. 33 illustrates another example of a connector system 1000 thatcomprises a male connector 1100 and a female connector 1400. In someembodiments, as illustrated, a first end 1112 of the male connector 1100can releasably couple with a first end 1402 of the female connector 1400while permitting but not requiring rotation of the male connector 1100or female connector 1400. As illustrated, the first and secondconnectors 1100, 1400 can be selectively joined together in asubstantially linear motion in which at least a portion (and in somecases a majority) of the outer surface area of one fits over at least aportion (and in some cases a majority) of the outer surface area of theother. In some embodiments, an audible sound can be produced when theconnectors 1100, 1400 engage. In the illustrated embodiment, the maleconnector 1100 has a coupling element, such as tabs 1125 with hooks 1127that engage with a channel 1444 on the female connector 1400 to securethe connectors together. Many other types of engagement arrangements canbe employed to secure the connectors together. For example, the femaleconnector 1400 can include a shroud or other attachment structure (e.g.,a shroud 112 of the type illustrated on the male connector 1100) thatfits over or outside of a portion of the male connector 1400. In someembodiments, as illustrated, the connection is reversible or detachable.

As explained further below, the first ends 1112, 1402 are configuredsuch that a fluid passageway 1156 of the male connector 1100 can befluidly connected to the fluid passageway 1418 of the female connector1400 when the first ends 1112, 1402 are coupled together. When the maleconnector 1100 and female connector 1400 are disconnected, the fluidpathways 1156, 1418 are obstructed. The coupling between the maleconnector 1100 and female connector 1400 is configured such that thefirst ends 1112, 1402 are substantially absent of residual fluids afterthe connectors are disconnected.

FIG. 34 illustrates the embodiment of the closeable male connector 1100in FIG. 33. Any of the configurations, features, components, and/oralternatives of the male connector 1100 can comprise, be interchangeablewith, or be used with any of the configurations, features, components,materials, and/or alternatives of any other male connector. For example,the connection structure (e.g., hook and channel features) relating topreventing or inhibiting disconnection can be used with any suitablemedical or other fluid connector.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, ofthe closeable male connector 1100 in a first or closed position. Thecloseable male connector 1100 can have a first end 1112 and a second end1114. The first end 1112 can be configured to mate with the femaleconnector 1400. In some embodiments, the first end 1112 can includeattachment and/or alignment structure (e.g., a protrusion) that isconfigured to be contacted with (e.g., inserted into) another attachmentand/or alignment structure of the female connector 1400. In theillustrated embodiment, the first end 1112 has a male luer tip 1122 anda valve member 1116 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 36 and 39). In theclosed position, valve member 1116 can cooperate with a luer tip seal1119 on the male luer tip 1122 to impede or resist the flow of fluidthrough the male connector 1100.

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the closeable male connector 1100 shown in FIG. 34. Withreference to FIG. 36, an end cap portion 1130 can be coupled to the malehousing 1123 near the second end 1114 of the closeable male connector1100, as generally described herein in other embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, the male housing 1123 can have a shroud 1124generally or completely surrounding the luer tip 1122. In someembodiments, the end of the shroud 1124 is spaced from the end 114 ofthe male connector to inhibit unintended external contact with the end1114 of the male connector, thereby resisting contamination of the end1114 from other surfaces and/or the contamination of other surfaces fromcontact with the end 1114. In some embodiments, the space between theend of the shroud 1124 and the end 1114 of the male connector is atleast as large as the cross section of the fluid path within the valvemember 1116. In some embodiments, the shroud 1124 can have an innerdiameter or cross-section which can be greater than an outer diameter ofcross-section of the male luer tip 1122. The shroud 1124 can have anengagement feature for securing the male connector 1100 to the femaleconnector 1400. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud 1124 hasintegrated tabs 1125 and release buttons 1126 for securing the maleconnector 1100 to the female connector 1400. The tabs 1125 can havehooks 1127 that engage with a channel 1444 on the female connector 1400.The hook and channel engagement allows the connectors 1100, 1400 to becoupled without requiring rotation of the connectors, which can beperformed more quickly, can require less manual precision duringcoupling, and/or can reduce the risk of twisting the attached fluidlines. A release structure, such as a release button 1126, can beactuated (e.g., pressed) to lift the hooks 1127 from the channel 1444 todisconnect the connectors. In some embodiments, the engagement featuremay not be integrated with the male housing 1123. For example, the tabsand release buttons can be a separate component that is attached to themale housing 1123. In some embodiments, other engagement features can beused to secure the connectors together, such as threads, pins, detents,channels, and/or protrusions (e.g., a bayonet-type connection).

The luer tip 1122 near the first end 1112 of the male connector 1100 cancomprise a mating surface 1128 at the end that is configured to form aleak-resistant and/or leak-free seal with at least a portion of themating surface 1466 of the seal element 1460, as explained herein inother embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface1128 is a thin annular ring at the end of the luer tip 1122.

The valve member 1116 can be at least partially enclosed by the malehousing 1123, such as in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 36 and 37.As illustrated in FIGS. 37 and 39, the valve member 1116 can have aclosure end 1144 that blocks the flow of fluids through the maleconnector 1100 in the closed configuration. The valve member 1116 canhave a mating surface 1146 that can include a protrusion 1147 that canbe coupled with a generally complementary cavity 1490 on a first end1482 of the fluid conduit 1480. In the illustrated embodiment, theprotrusion 1147 is a generally cylindrical or generally discusprotrusion with rounded edges. In some embodiments, the protrusion canhave a plurality of different shapes, such as protrusions with arectangular, square or polygonal cross-sectional shape, to generallymatch the shape of the cavity 1490 on the first end 1482 of the fluidconduit 1480. In some embodiments, the protrusion can be on the firstend 1482 of the fluid conduit 1480 and the cavity can be disposed on themating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116. The protrusion 1147 andcavity 1490 can help to align the mating surfaces of the male connector1100 with the mating surfaces of the female connector 1400.

The valve member 1116 can have a tube section 1117 with a channel thatextends within (e.g., through the middle of) the tube section 1117.Fluid can flow through the tube section 1117 of the valve member 1116and out through ports 1162 on the valve member 1116. The tube section1117 can be made of a resilient material that can elastically deform.When the male connector 1100 is in the open position, the valve member1116 is pushed toward the second end 1114 of the male connector 1100,compressing the resilient tube section 1117. In some embodiments, thetube section 1117 deforms by a small amount so that the channel is notobstructed by the compressed tube section 1117. In some embodiments, thetube section 1117 can deform outwardly so that the channel is notobstructed. The tube section 1117 can exert a return spring force on theclosure end 1144 toward the first end 1112 of the male connector 1100.This closing force on the valve member 1116 is biased toward returningthe male connector 1100 to a closed configuration.

The amount of spring force exerted by the tube section 1117 can bemodified by varying several parameters, such as the length of the tubesection 1117, the thickness of the tube section 1117, and/or byconstruction of the tube section 1117 from a variety of materials havingdifferent elastic properties. In some embodiments, the male connector1100 is configured to require enough opening force to prevent accidentalor unintentional opening. In some embodiments, the force required toopen the connector is controlled at least in part by the compressionforce of the tube section 1117. In some embodiments, the tube sectioncan have a helical spring positioned inside the male housing 1123 forbiasing the closure end 1144 of the valve member 1116 to the closedposition. In some embodiments, the tube section can have other biasingmembers, such as elastic bands or actuators.

In some embodiments, the valve member 1116 can have an end piece 1145near the closure end 1144 of the male luer tip 1122. In someembodiments, the end piece 1145 can have an end body portion 1167 withan outer diameter or cross-section. In some embodiments, the end piece1145 can have a flange 1149 extending from the end body portion 1167. Insome embodiments, the flange 1149 has at least one slot 1165. In someembodiments, the end piece 1145 can have at least one port 1162. The endpiece 1145 can include an extension portion 1166 extending from the endbody portion 1167 toward the closure end 1144 of the luer tip 1122. Insome embodiments, the extension portion 1166 can have an outer diameteror cross-section which is smaller than the outer diameter orcross-section of the end body portion 1167. In some embodiments, theextension portion 1166 can form a unitary part with the protrusion 1147.In some embodiments, the end piece 1145 can be constructed of a rigid orsemi-rigid material.

In some embodiments, valve member 1116 can have a sleeve portion 1163.In some embodiments, the sleeve portion 1163 has an inner diameter orcross-section and an outer diameter or cross-section. The sleeve portion1163 can be constructed of a resilient material that can elasticallydeform. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion can have one or moreindentations, protrusion, or grooves to facilitate compression and/orrebounding. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion 1163 can beconfigured to engage with the extension portion 1166. In someembodiments, the inner diameter or cross-section of the sleeve portion1163 is less than the outer diameter or cross-section of the extensionportion 1166, which can aid the valve member 1116 in resisting leakagebetween the sleeve portion 1163 and the extension portion 1166.

In some embodiments, the valve member 1116 can include a securementportion 1164. The securement portion 1164 can be constructed of aresilient material that can elastically deform. In some embodiments, thesecurement portion 1164, sleeve portion 1163, and/or tube section 1117can be constructed of the same material and/or form a unitary part. Insome embodiments, the securement portion 1164 can be configured toengage with the at least one slot 1165 in the flange 1149, asillustrated in FIG. 39. In some embodiments, the securement portion 1164can be biased in a stretched configuration.

In some embodiments, the end piece 1145 can be attached to the tubesection 1117 and/or sleeve portion 1163 via an adhesive. In someembodiments, the securement portion 1164 can be configured to exert abiasing force on the sleeve portion 1163 and the tube section 1117 andbias the sleeve portion 1163 toward the tube section 1117. A biasingforce can secure the end piece 1145 between the sleeve portion 1163 andthe tube section 1117. For example, in some embodiments the flange 1149could engage with the tube section 1117 and the end body portion 1167could engage with the sleeve portion 1163. Such an engagement can helpthe end piece 1145 resist disengagement from the sleeve portion 1167and/or the tube section 1117.

A luer tip seal 1119 can be disposed in the interior of the luer tip1122, as illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37, as generally described in otherembodiments. The luer tip seal 1119 can be disposed between the malehousing 1123 and the valve member 1116 to form a seal over the ports1162 of the valve member 1116 in the closed position. In the illustratedembodiment, the luer tip seal 1119 has a pair of protrusions 1177 thatcan couple with notches 1129 on the male luer tip 1122 to secure theluer tip seal 1119 in place as the valve member 1116 slideslongitudinally in the male housing 1123. In some embodiments, the luertip seal 1119 can be secured to the male luer tip 1122 by adhesives,welding, interference fit, friction fit, or any other suitable methods.

As shown in the embodiment of the male connector 1100 illustrated inFIG. 34, the mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116 is disposedsubstantially flush across the luer tip 1122 when the male connector1100 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the mating surface1146 of the valve member 116 can be configured to extend further beyondthe mating surface 1128 of the luer tip 1122 when the male connector 100is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the mating surface 1146of the valve member 116 can be recessed within the luer tip 1122.

The male connector 1100 can be manipulated to a second or open position.In the open position, the valve member 1116 is retracted from the luertip 1122, thereby allowing the fluid in the valve member 1116 to exitfrom the ports 1162 and around the closure end 1144. Fluid can pass fromthe luer receptacle at the second end 1114 through the interior of themale connector 1100 and exit the valve member 1116 when the maleconnector 1100 is in the opened configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 37, a passageway 1156 can extend through at leasta portion of the valve member 1116. The passageway 1156 can be circularin cross-section, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, or thepassageway 1156 can have other cross-sectional geometric shapes. Thepassageway 1156 can have at least one port 1162 near the closure end1144 of the valve member 1116. In the illustrated embodiment, two ports162 are located on generally opposing sides of the valve member 1116 andare rectangular, though other locations and shapes can be used.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37, the male connector 1100 is ina closed position. An end of the valve member 1116 can abut a plunger1170 of the first cap component 1132. In some embodiments, the end ofthe valve member 1116 can form a seal with the end of the plunger 1170to substantially resist liquids from seeping into the junction betweenthe valve member 1116 and the plunger 1170. In some embodiments, the endof the valve member 1116 can be attached to the plunger 1170 by anysuitable methods, such as adhesives, sonic welding, solvent bonding,etc.

The passageway 1156 can be in fluid communication with a conduit 1194 ofthe first cap component 1132. The conduit 1194 can have a smallercross-sectional area than the passageway 1156, as illustrated. In someembodiments, the conduit 1194 can have approximately the same sizecross-sectional area as the passageway 1156. In some embodiments, theconduit 1194 can be wider than the passageway 1156. The conduit 1194 canbe tubular, as illustrated, or configured with a non-circularcross-section in any other appropriate shape.

The plunger 1170 can have an outer dimension that is comparable to theinner dimension of the end of the male housing 1123, but that does nottightly contact such wall to permit relative movement (e.g., rotationalmovement) between the components. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.37, the plunger 1170 is circular so as to match the tubular geometry ofthe male housing 1123, but other geometric shapes can be used, asappropriate. To inhibit fluid from escaping past the plunger 1170, aseal (e.g., an O-ring seal 1160) can be disposed in a groove 1169 behindthe plunger 1170. The O-ring 1160 can contact the wall of the malehousing 1123, as shown, inhibiting fluid from flowing around the plunger1170. In some embodiments, the plunger 1170 is a portion of the end cap1130. The end cap 1130 can be coupled with the male housing 1123 throughsonic welding, an adhesive, or any other suitable method for coupling,as described above. The plunger 1170 can be considered to be in a staticposition relative to the male housing 1123. In some embodiments, theplunger 1170 is formed integrally with the male housing 1123 and the endcap 1130 is a separate piece appropriately attached to the male housing1123 such as by sonic welding. In some embodiments, the second capcomponent 1134 can comprise a ridge 1135. Additionally, in someembodiments, the second cap component 1134 can be integrally orunitarily formed with the male housing 1123. The first cap component1132 can be formed separately as compared to the second cap component1134 or the male housing 1123.

As shown in FIG. 37, fluid can flow into the luer receiver 1158 and passto the conduit 1194. From the conduit 1194, fluid can pass into thepassageway 1156. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the maleconnector 1100 is in the closed position, the closure end 1144 of thevalve member 1116 can seal the hole in the luer tip 1122, preventingfluid from passing out the end of the luer tip 1122. Fluid generallycan, however, exit the passageway 1156 through the ports 1162 in thevalve member 1116. The fluid can reside in the interior of the luer tip1122, but can be prevented from flowing out of the luer tip 1122 by theluer tip seal 1119 and prevented from flowing back towards the secondend 114 on the outside of valve member 116 by the tube section 1117.Accordingly, when the male connector 1100 is in the closed position, asillustrated, there can be fluid communication between the luer receiver1158 and the interior of the luer tip 1122, without permitting fluid toexit the first end 1112 of the male connector 1100.

The male connector 1100 can be changed to the open configuration whenmated with a female connector 1400. The luer tip 1122 at least partiallyadvances into the female connector 1400 and the fluid conduit 1480 inthe female connector 1400 engages the valve member 1116 to push theclosure end 1144 of the valve member 1116 toward the second end 1114 ofthe male connector 1100. Also, the hooks 1127 on the shroud 1124 of themale connector 1100 can couple with the channel 1444 on the femaleconnector 1400 to hold the connectors together. The connection of themale connector 1100 and female connector 1400 is described in furtherdetail below.

When the valve member 1116 is displaced toward the second end 1114, thevalve closure end 1144 can separate from the luer tip 1122, withdrawingthe ports 1162 from the luer tip seal 1119. Accordingly, fluid can flowaround the closure end 1144 and into a coupled female connector 1400. Insome embodiments, the tube section 1117 can inhibit fluid from passingbetween the interior of the luer tip 1122 and valve member 1116 towardsthe second end 1114 of the male connector 1100. Accordingly, in the openposition, fluid can pass from the luer receiver 1158 through the conduit1194, passageway 1156, port or ports 1162 in the valve member 1116, intothe interior of the luer tip 1122, and into a port in the femaleconnector 1400.

As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 52, when the maleconnector 1100 is in the open position, the closure end 1144 of thevalve member 1116 can be displaced toward the second end 1114 of themale connector 1100, closer to the plunger 1170 portion of the end cap1130. Accordingly, tube section 1117 is compressed and the volume of thepassageway 1156 can be reduced in the open position.

Correspondingly, when the male connector 1100 is changing from an openposition to a closed position, the volume of the passageway 1156increases as the closure end 1144 of the valve member 1116 shifts towardthe first end 1112 of the male connector 1100. As the valve closure end1144 of the valve member 1116 advances towards the first end 1112, theclosure end 1144 can seal the hole in the luer tip 1122. If noadditional fluid is introduced into the male connector 1100 through theluer receiver 1158, the existing fluid in the luer tip 1122 can be drawnback through the ports 1162, toward the passageway 1156 by the vacuumeffect created when the volume of the passageway 1156 increases. In thiscase, fluid can be inhibited from exiting the hole in the luer tip 1122as the valve closure end 1144 moves into place in the hole because thefluid can instead be drawn back to the passageway 1156. In someembodiments, fluid near the mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116is encouraged to move into the interior of the male connector 100 ratherthan remain near the mating surface 1146 as the closure end 1144 movestoward the first end 1112 of the male housing 1123, thereby resistingexposure of the mating surface 1146 to the fluid.

If, however, additional fluid is still being introduced into the maleconnector 1100 through the luer receiver 1158, the additional fluid canadvance to the passageway 1156 and collect there as the closure end 1144moves toward the first end 1112 to close the luer tip 1122. Pressurefrom the newly-introduced fluid can be inhibited from forcing fluid toflow out the luer tip 1122 as the luer tip seal 1119 seals the luer tip1122. Accordingly, fluid flow is permitted through the male connector1100 while a female connector 1400 is coupled with the first end 1112 ofthe male connector 1100, but inhibited while the female connector 1400is being disengaged and after the female connector 1400 has beendecoupled.

As described above, in some embodiments, it can be desirable to inhibitcertain medicines from contacting the skin or being inhaled. The maleconnector 1100 can assist in retaining fluid within the male connector1100 while substantially eliminating remnant fluid on the luer tip 1122when it is being decoupled from a female connector 1400 or otherconnection. Accordingly, reducing the likelihood of remnant fluidremaining on the luer tip 1122 after decoupling, results in acorresponding reduction in the chance of exposure of toxic medicine tothe skin of a user or a patient.

FIGS. 39-40 are perspective views of an example of a valve member 1116and the luer tip seal 119, respectively, of the embodiment of thecloseable male connector 1100 shown in FIG. 34. With specific referenceto FIG. 39, one or more of the ports 1162 can be located near the matingsurface 1146. The ports 1162 can be rectangular, as illustrated, or canhave other shapes. The male connector 1100 can be adapted to be openedwhen placed in mating engagement with a female connector 1400. Forexample, the female connector 1400 can include an engagement member suchas, but not limited to, a surface generally complementary to theprotrusion 1147 with a cavity which can engage the valve closure face1144 to open the male connector 1100. In some embodiments, a manuallyactuated slider, button, or other actuator can be appropriatelyconfigured to open the male connector 1100.

With reference to FIG. 40, the luer tip seal 1119 can be substantiallycylindrical with an opening 1178 extending along the longitudinal axisof the luer tip seal 1119. The side facing the first end 1112 of themale connector 1100 can have a mating surface 1176 that is configured tomate with a corresponding surface of the female connector 1400. The luertip seal 1119 can be constructed from a number of different materials.In some embodiments, the luer tip seal 1119 can be made from asilicon-based deformable material. Silicon-based deformable materialsare among those that can form fluid-tight closures with plastics andother rigid polymeric materials.

The end cap portion 1130 (see FIG. 37) can be similar to the end capportion 130 described above in other embodiments. The end cap portion1130 and the corresponding components are referenced in the currentembodiment with similar reference numbers, except increased by an orderof 1000.

FIGS. 41 and 42 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, ofthe female connector 1400 in a first or closed position. Any of theconfigurations, features, components, and/or alternatives of the femaleconnector 1400 can comprise, be interchangeable with, or be used withany of the configurations, features, components, materials, and/oralternatives of any other female connector. Additionally, any of theother connectors described herein can comprise any of theconfigurations, features, and components of the female connector 1400.For example, the features relating to preventing or inhibitingdisconnection of the male and female connectors can be used with anysuitable medical or other fluid connectors.

FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view of the components of theembodiment of the female connector 1400 shown in FIG. 41. A fluidconduit 1480 with one or more side ports 1488 can be coupled to thefemale housing 1440 near the second end 1404 of the female connector1400. One or more of the components of the fluid conduit 1480 can beintegral or unitary with the female housing 1440. In some embodiments,the fluid conduit 1480 can have a second end 1484 that is configured tocouple with a second cap component 1134. The fluid conduit 1480 and thesecond cap component 1134 can be coupled by various methods, such asadhesives, sonic welding, solvent bonding, snap-fitting, etc. A firstcap component 1420 can also be coupled to the second cap component 1134and the fluid conduit 1480. The first cap component 1420 can berotatable relative to the second cap component 1134 and the fluidconduit 1480. A generally compressible or deformable seal element 1460can surround at least a portion of the fluid conduit 1480. The sealelement 1460 can obstruct the ports 1488 on the fluid conduit 1480 whenthe female connector 1400 is in a closed configuration. The seal element1460 and fluid conduit 1480 can be contained at least partially withinthe female housing 1440.

As illustrated in FIGS. 41 and 42 the female connector 1400 can have afirst end 1402 and a second end 1404. The first end 1402 can beconfigured to mate with the male connector 1100. In some embodiments,the female connector 1400 can have a female housing 1440 with a matingside 1408 that is configured to be coupled to the male connector 1100.The first end 1402 can include a coupling structure that iscomplementary to the coupling structure on the shroud 1124 of the maleconnector 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the female connector 1400has a selectively attachable connection surface, such as a groove,indentation, or channel 1444, that engages with a correspondingselectively attachable connection surface, such as snaps, catches,grasping members, or hooks 1127, on the male connector 1100 to removablysecure the connectors together. Many other types of engagement elementscan be employed to secure the connectors together.

The female housing 1440 of the female connector 1400 can extend betweenthe first end 1402 and the second end 1404. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 45, the female housing 1440 has a generallycylindrical body 1442. In some embodiments, the body 1442 can have agenerally circular, generally square, generally polygonal cross-section,or any other suitable shape. A compressible or resilient seal element1460 and a fluid conduit 1480 are contained at least partially withinthe female housing 1440.

Near the first end 1402 can be a channel 1444 that extends around theouter circumference of the female housing 1440. The channel 1444 canaccept hooks 1127 on the tabs 1125 of the male housing 1123. In someembodiments, the mating side 1408 of the female housing 1440 can bechamfered or rounded to allow the hooks 1127 to slide around the firstend 1402 of the female connector 1400 as the two connectors are joinedtogether.

The female housing 1440 can have a coupling limiter, such as a couplingflange 1448 that protrudes from the circumference of the female housing1440, to provide a shoulder or stop to prevent the male connector 1100from being inserted too far into the female connector 1400. In someembodiments, the coupling flange 1448 extends continuously around theentire circumference of the female housing 1440. In some embodiments,the coupling flange 1448 can be broken or segmented and extend aroundless than the entire circumference of the female housing 1440, e.g. asone or more protrusions or in a series of broken segments. In someembodiments, the coupling portion 446 can be integrally molded orotherwise formed with the female housing 440. In some embodiments, thecoupling portion 1446 can be a separate component that is connected tothe female housing 1440, such as by welding, adhesives, or fasteners. Insome embodiments, the position of the coupling limiter can be closer tothe first or proximal end than to the second or distal end. Theoutermost radial extent of the coupling limiter can be larger than orapproximately equal to the inner diameter of the shroud 1124 of thecloseable male luer connector 1123. In some embodiments, the femalehousing can have an extended portion 1447 between the coupling limiterand the channel 1444.

With reference to FIG. 46, the fluid conduit 1480 can be similar to thefluid conduit 480 (see, e.g., FIG. 27), and the description of eachfluid conduit 480, 1480, and the uses and alternatives thereof, appliesto the other. The fluid conduit 1480 can have a first end 1482 and asecond end 1484. The first end 1482 can have a mating surface 1486 thatis configured to couple with the mating surface 1146 of the valve member1116. Near the first end 1482 can be at least one port 1488 that isfluidly connected to a fluid passageway 1418 that extends through themiddle of the fluid conduit 1480. In the illustrated embodiment, thefluid conduit 1480 has two ports on approximately opposite sides. Insome embodiments, the fluid conduit 1480 can have more than two ports1488. The second end 1484 of the fluid conduit 480 can be configured tocouple to a first cap component 1420 and a second cap component 1134.

Extending from the first end 1482 to the second end 1484 can be a tube1487 with a fluid passageway 1418 (see FIG. 50) extending through theinterior (e.g., middle) of the tube 1487. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 44, the tube 1487 is generally cylindrical near the first end1482 and generally frusto-conical near the second end 1484. In someembodiments, the tube can have other cross-sectional shapes, such asgenerally square, generally polygonal or generally oval.

As illustrated in FIG. 44, the fluid passageway 1418 can be circular incross-section, or the fluid passageway 1418 can have othercross-sectional geometric shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, twoports 1488 are located on generally opposite sides of the fluid conduit1480 and are rectangular in shape, though other locations and shapes canbe used. The side ports 1488 can be located near the mating surface 1486of the fluid conduit 1480, or positioned on the side of the fluidconduit 1480 as far back as practical from the mating surface 1486 whilestill allowing fluid to enter the ports 1488 when the female connector1400 is mated with the male connector 1100. As illustrated, the proximalend or proximal region of the fluid conduit 1480 can be blunt,non-tapered, generally planar, and closed to fluid flow. In someembodiments, the size of the ports 1488 can be approximately onemillimeter in length and/or width, although irregular shapes and othersizes can be used. Ports of at least about 1 mm or approximately 1 mm toapproximately 3 mm, or less than or equal to about 1 mm can also beused. The cross-sectional width (or outer diameter) of the proximal endof the fluid conduit 1480 can be very large, as illustrated. Forexample, as shown, the cross-sectional width (or outer diameter) of theproximal end of the fluid conduit 1480 can be about the same size as theouter diameter of the fluid conduit 1480, or larger than or about thesame size as the inner diameter of the male tip on the distal end of thefemale connector, or about the same size as or larger than an innerdiameter of the fluid conduit 1480 near the base of the fluid conduit,or generally about the same size as the thickness of the wall of thesealing element at the proximal end or in the neck region of thehousing, or substantially larger than the thickness of the housing wall.

The fluid conduit 1480 can be composed of a rigid material, such aspolycarbonate plastic, which is capable of resisting compression ordeformation when a force sufficient to compress or deform the sealelement 1460 is exerted upon the female connector 1400. The ports 1488in the fluid conduit 480 can be sealed by the seal element 1460 toprevent the fluid from escaping the fluid passageway 1418 when thefemale connector 1400 is in the closed configuration.

The female connector 1400 can include a first cap component 1420 and asecond cap component 1134 near the second end 1404, similar to the maleconnector 1100. In some embodiments, the second cap component 1134 canbe the same as, or similar to, the second cap component described in themale connector 1100. As illustrated in FIGS. 44 and 47, the first capcomponent 1420 can be configured to have a protrusion to couple with thefluid conduit 1480 at one end and to have a male luer engagement 1485 atthe other end. A fluid pathway can extend longitudinally through thefirst cap component 1420 so that the fluid conduit 1480 can be in fluidcommunication with the male luer engagement 1485. The male luerengagement 1485 includes a shroud with inner threads surrounding a maleluer tip. The male luer engagement 1485 can conform to ANSIspecifications for male connectors. The male luer engagement 1485 canreceive a female connecting component of another connector or syringe.

As illustrated in FIG. 44, the second cap component 1134 can be coupledto the second end 1484 of the fluid conduit 1480 and/or the femalehousing 1440. In some embodiments, the second cap component 1134 can befixedly attached to the fluid conduit 1480 or female housing 1440through sonic welding, adhesives, or any other suitable method. In theillustrated embodiment, the first cap component 1420 is rotatablycoupled to the second cap component 1134 as well as the fluid conduit1480. In some embodiments, the first cap component 1420 and/or thesecond cap component 1134 can be integral or unitary with the femalehousing 1440.

In some embodiments, the portion of the first cap component 1420 thatcouples with the fluid conduit 1480 can have an outer dimension that iscomparable to the inner dimension of the wall of the fluid conduit 1480,but does not contact such wall to permit relative movement between thecomponents. To inhibit fluid from escaping between the fluid conduit1480 and the first cap component 1420, a flexible or resilient seal,such as an O-ring 1160, can be disposed in a groove 1424 on the firstcap component 1420. The groove 1424 can extend around the outercircumference of the first cap component 1420 where it couples with thefluid conduit 1480. The O-ring 1160 can contact the wall of the fluidconduit 1480, as shown, inhibiting fluid from escaping out of the fluidpassageway 1418. The first cap component 1420 is able to rotate relativeto the fluid conduit 1480 so that the male luer engagement 1485 can beconnected to another connector without twisting the entire femaleconnector 1400.

Additionally, the first cap component 1420 can comprise an annulargroove 1422 which, can interact with complementary features on thesecond cap component 1134 to axially restrain the movement of the firstcap component 1420 with respect to the second cap component 1134. Withreference to FIG. 44, the first cap component 1420 and the second capcomponent 1134 can be sized and configured to prevent the first capcomponent 1420 from inadvertently being pulled out of the second capcomponent 1134.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 47, the first cap component 1420 cancomprise an angled or rounded surface positioned between the annulargroove 1422 and the O-ring channel 1424. The angled or rounded surfacecan facilitate the coupling or assembly of the first cap component 1420to the second cap component 1134. In some embodiments, the first capcomponent 1420 and/or the second cap component 1134 can comprise anysuitable features, lubricants, or materials to facilitate the couplingof the first cap component 1420 and the second cap component 1134, or,to facilitate the rotation of the first cap component 1420 relative tothe second cap component 134.

In some embodiments, the cap components can comprise structures toresist disconnection of the male end 1485 of the female connector 1400and/or that can facilitate rotation of the male end 1485 of the femaleconnector 1400. For example, the first cap component 1420 can have breakoff tabs that prevent the first cap component 1420 from rotatingrelative to the second cap component 1134 during an initial stage, asdescribed herein. Once the tabs have broken away from the first capcomponent 1420, the first cap component 1420 is then able to rotatesubstantially freely within the second cap component 1134. However, thefirst cap component 1420 can still be retained in the female connector1400 by the coupling of the annular groove 1422 and the annularprotrusion on the second cap component 1134. Also, the O-ring 1160 canresist or prevent fluid leakage notwithstanding the ability of the firstcap component 1420 to rotate. The female connector 1400 can resistdisconnection from the coupled components because the torque needed forsuch disconnection would merely spin the first cap component 1420relative to the female housing 1400 and/or the second cap component1134.

With reference to FIG. 48, the seal element 1460 is described in greaterdetail. In some embodiments, the seal element 1460 is generallycylindrical and has a bore 1470 extending therethrough. The seal element1460 can have a sealing portion 1462 and a collapsing portion 1464. Thesealing portion 1462 can have an inner diameter that is configured toobstruct the first end 1482 of the fluid conduit 1480 to block the flowof fluids out of the ports 1488.

In the illustrated embodiment, at least the distal portion 1464 isgenerally cylindrical and can deform, compress, or otherwise decrease inlength. The collapsing portion 1464 is made of a resilient or deformablematerial such that a restoring force biases the distal portion 1464 backto its starting length when the distally directed force is removed. Insome embodiments, the collapsing portion 1464 can have a plurality ofdifferent types of configurations for providing a compressible seal,such as in other embodiments described herein.

A shoulder or stop 1468 can be disposed between the sealing portion 1462and the collapsing portion 1464. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop1468 is a portion with an enlarged outer diameter. As illustrated inFIG. 44, the stop 1468 can engage with a surface of the female housing1440 to prevent the compressible seal element 1460 from overextending orexiting the female housing. The placement of the stop 1468 on the sealelement 1460 is configured so that when the stop 1468 engages with thefemale housing 1440, the sealing portion 1462 is positioned over theports 1488 on the fluid conduit 1480.

The seal element 1460 can be constructed of a material that elasticallycompresses or deforms. The seal element 1460 is biased toward returningthe female connector 1400 to a closed configuration. The amount ofcompression resistance carried by the seal element 1460 can be adjustedby varying the length of the compressing portion 1464 or the length ofthe chamber in the female housing 1440 where the seal element 1460resides. The amount of compression resistance can also be adjusted byincreasing the thickness of the seal element 1460 and/or use of avariety of materials having different elastic properties. In someembodiments, the collapsing portion 1464 can be configured as a springpositioned inside the female housing 1440 for biasing the seal element1460 to the closed configuration, as described in other embodiments.

As illustrated in FIGS. 41 and 44, the first end 1402 of the femaleconnector 1400 can have a mating side 1408 that is generally transverseto the longitudinal axis of the female connector 1400. In theillustrated embodiment, the mating side 1408 has a generally annularshape. The mating side 1408 can have an opening in the middle region forthe seal element 1460, wherein a mating surface 1466 of the seal element1460 is exposed. The mating surface 1466 of the seal element 1460 isconfigured to form a leak-resistant seal with the mating surface 1128 ofthe male luer tip 1122 and the mating surface 1176 of the luer tip seal1119. Near the center of the seal element 1460 can be an opening for thefemale connector fluid conduit 1480. A first end 1482 of the fluidconduit 1480 can have a mating surface 1486 configured to form aleak-resistant seal with the mating surface 1146 of the valve member1116.

As shown in the embodiment of the female connector 1400 illustrated inFIGS. 41 and 44, the mating surface 1466 of the seal element 1460 can besubstantially flush with the mating side 1408 of the female connector1400. In some embodiments, the mating surface 1486 of the fluid conduit1480 can be substantially flush with the mating side 1408 of the femaleconnector 1400. In some embodiments, the mating surface 1466 of the sealelement 1460 and/or the mating surface 1486 of the fluid conduit 1480can be configured to extend further beyond the mating side 1408 of thefemale connector 1400 in the closed position. In some embodiments, themating surface 1466 of the seal element 1460 and/or the mating surface1486 of the fluid conduit 1480 can be recessed within coupling portion1446.

In some embodiments, the first end 1482 of the fluid conduit 1480 canhave a cavity 1490 that couples with a complementary protrusion 1147 onthe mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116. In the illustratedembodiment, the cavity 1490 is a rounded hole. In some embodiments, thecavity can have a plurality of different types of shapes, such asrectangular, square or polygonal in shape. In some embodiments, thecavity can be disposed on the mating surface 1146 of the valve member1116 and the protrusion can be on the first end 1482 of the fluidconduit 1480. The cavity 1490 and protrusion 1147 can help to align thecorresponding mating surfaces of, and to resist lateral movement andfluid leakage between, the male connector 1100 and the female connector1400.

The seal element 1460 can obstruct the first end 1482 of the fluidconduit 1480 to block the flow of fluids out of the ports 1488 when thefemale connector 1400 is in the closed configuration. A sealing portion1462 of the seal element 1460 can be disposed in the interior ofcoupling portion 1446 of the female housing 1440, as illustrated in FIG.44. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing portion 1462 of the sealelement 1460 is disposed between the female housing 1440 and the fluidconduit 1480. In some embodiments, an interference fit between the sealelement 1460 and the fluid conduit 1480 can inhibit fluid from flowingout of the first end 1402 of the female connector 1400. The seal element1460 can be made of a resilient material that helps forms the seal.

The female connector 1400 can be manipulated to a second or openconfiguration. In the open configuration, the sealing portion 1462 ofthe seal element 1460 can be pushed back toward the second end 1404 ofthe female connector 1400, thereby allowing fluid to flow through theports 1488 in the fluid conduit 1480. In the open configuration, fluidcan enter the fluid conduit 1480 through the ports 1488 and travelthrough the fluid passageway 1418, exiting through the male luerengagement 1485.

The female connector 1400 can assist in retaining fluid within thefemale connector 1400 while substantially or entirely eliminatingremnant fluid on the first end 1402 of the female connector 1400 when itis being decoupled from a male connector 1100 or other connection.Resisting remnant fluid remaining on the female connector 1400 afterdecoupling can result in a corresponding reduction in of exposure oftoxic medicine to a user or a patient.

With reference to FIGS. 49 and 50, the male connector 1100 is displayedadjacent to a female connector 1400. In the illustrated embodiment, boththe male connector 1100 and the female connector 1400 are in a closedconfiguration. The female connector 1400 is positioned with its firstend 1402 adjacent the first end 1112 of the male connector 1100. Themale connector 1100 can be engaged with the female connector 1400 bypushing the connectors together without requiring twisting or rotatingof either connector.

As illustrated in FIGS. 51 and 52, the male connector 1100 can bechanged to the open configuration when a female connector 1400 iscoupled to the male connector 1100. The first end 1402 of the femaleconnector 1400 can engage with the first end 1112 of the male connector1100. A first biased engagement portion, such as the hooks 1127 on thetabs 1125, of the male connector 1100 can engage with a secondengagement portion, such as the channel 1444, on the female connector1400 to removably secure the connectors together. The hook and channelengagement allows the connectors 1100, 1400 to be coupled withoutrequiring rotation of the connectors, which reduces the risk of twistingthe attached fluid lines and requires less precise manual manipulationby the health care professional. The locations of the first and secondengagement portions on the respective connectors can be reversed. Insome embodiments, the hooks 1127 can slide over the mating side 1408 ofthe female connector 1400 and fall into the channel 1444. In someembodiments, an audible sound can be produced when the hooks 1127positively engage with the channel 1444 on the female connector 1400.The release button 1126 can be pressed to lift the hooks 1127 from thechannel 1444 to disconnect the connectors.

In some embodiments, engagement between the hooks 1127 of the maleconnector 1100 and the channel 1444 of the female connector 1400 canreduce the likelihood of lateral movement between the mating surface1146 of the valve member 1116 and the mating surface 1486 of the fluidconduit 1480. In some embodiments, engagement between the hooks 1127 ofthe male connector 1100 and the channel 1444 of the female connector1400 resist tilting between the mating surface 1146 of the valve member1116 and the mating surface 1486 of the fluid conduit 1480 during and/orafter coupling. Reduction of lateral movement and/or tilting between themating surfaces 1146, 1486 can help reduce the likelihood that eithermating surface 1146, 1486 will be exposed to fluid from within theconnectors 1100, 1400.

The mating surface 1486 of the fluid conduit 1480 can engage the matingsurface 1146 of the valve member 1116. These tightly fitting, non-planarmating surfaces 1186, 1146 and/or the interaction between the tightlyfitting exterior shroud 1124 and an outer surface of the adjoiningconnector (e.g. the outer surface of the extended portion 1447 of thefemale connector), can resist lateral motion between the mating surfaces1186, 1146 to resist fluid penetration or ingress between them. As themale connector 1100 and the female connector 1400 are coupled together,the fluid conduit 1480 can push the closure end 1144 of the valve member1116 toward the second end 1114 of the male connector 1100. As theclosure end 1144 is pushed toward the second end 1114 of the maleconnector 1100, the ports 1162 on the valve member 1116 are displacedaway from the luer tip seal 1119, allowing fluid to flow out through theports 1162. Thus, the male connector 1100 is moved to an openconfiguration when the closure end 1144 of the valve member 1116 ispushed towards the second end 1114.

As illustrated in FIG. 52, the mating surface 1176 of the luer tip seal1119 and the mating surface 1128 of the male luer tip 1122 can engagethe mating surface 1466 of the seal element 1460. As the male connector1100 and the female connector 1400 are coupled together, the male luertip 1122 with the luer tip seal 1119 can push the seal element 1460toward the second end 1404 of the female connector 1400, applying forceto the compressing portion 1464 of the seal element 1460. As the sealelement 1460 is pushed toward the second end 1404 of the femaleconnector 1400, the ports 1488 on the fluid conduit 1480 are uncovered,allowing fluid to flow through the ports 1480. In this example, thefemale connector 1400 is in an open configuration. Since the sealelement 1460 includes an opening or bore 1470 on its proximal end, thetube 1487 in the female connector, the male luer tip 1122 in the maleconnector, and/or the valve member 116 of the male connector are notrequired to puncture, pierce, cut, penetrate, pass through, spreadapart, force open, or otherwise substantially modify the size, shape ordimensions of the proximal end of the seal element 1460. Rather, in someembodiments, as illustrated, the proximal end of the seal element 1460is moved by the entry of the male connector, but the shape of theproximal end of the seal element 1460 remains integral and unchangedduring both opening and closing. The size and shape of the bore 1470,and the size and shape of the proximal end of the seal element 1460,and/or an aperture, bore, or opening in the proximal end of the sealelement 1460, can be generally the same in the closed and open stages,and during the transitions between these stages.

When the closure end 1144 of the valve member 1116 is pushed toward thesecond end 1114 of the male connector 1100, the tube section 1117 of thevalve member 1116 is compressed, producing a return force on the closureend 1144 toward the first end 1112 of the male connector 1100. Thus, inthe open configuration of the male connector 1100, the closure end 1144of the valve member 1116 can be biased toward the first end 1112 towarda closed configuration. Similarly, when the seal element 1460 is pushedtoward the second end 1404 of the female connector 1400, the compressingportion 1464 exerts a return spring force to bias the seal element 1460to its original length and toward a closed configuration. Asillustrated, the valve member 1116, in some embodiments, remains insideof the male connector housing, or inside of the luer tip 1122, in boththe open and closed positions, and during the transition between thesetwo stages, thereby diminishing the risk of exposing the valve member1117, and consequently the fluid path, to undesirable foreign objects(such as pathogens, toxins, or debris) in the environment, anddiminishing the risk that fluid within the fluid path will escape intothe environment.

In some embodiments, the valve member 1116 and the seal element 1460 canexert closing forces to help the mating surfaces 1146, 1486 maintaincontact throughout the engagement. In some embodiments, the matingsurface 1146 of the valve member 1116 can have a cross-section that issubstantially the same as a cross-section of the mating surface 1486 ofthe fluid conduit 1480. In some embodiments, the outer periphery of themating surface 1486 of the fluid conduit 1480 can be in contact with,and/or generally complimentary in shape with, the outer periphery of themating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116 when the male connector1100 and/or female connector 1400 is in an open configuration.

In some embodiments, the mating surfaces of the male connector 1100and/or the female connector 1400 can be at least partially compressibleto help form a substantially leak-free or leak-resistant seal betweenthe mating surfaces, as described above in other embodiments. Forexample, the mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116 can be made ofan elastomeric material that can seal with the mating surface 1486 ofthe fluid conduit 1480 (which can itself be either flexible or rigid) sothat fluid does not contact the mating surfaces of the male connector1100 and female connector 1400. In some embodiments, the mating surface1486 of fluid conduit 1480 can be made of an elastomeric material thatcan seal with the mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116 (whichcan itself be either flexible or rigid). In some embodiments, the fluidcan flow around the seal formed by the two mating surfaces 1146, 1486.In some embodiments, fluid is impeded from passing within the peripheryof the mating surfaces 1146, 1148 between the two mating surface 1146,1148. In some embodiments, as described herein, the fluid can flowbetween the male connector 1100 and the female connector 1400 withoutrequiring the piercing of or penetration of a normally closed septum.For example, the septum can comprise a constant opening through which afluid conduit can pass, or the fluid can flow around the outside of aseptum or other barrier. By isolating the mating surfaces from thefluid, the mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116 and the matingsurface 1486 of the fluid conduit 1480 can remain dry afterdisconnecting the two connectors, and undesired contamination to thehealth care provider or surrounding environment can be resisted.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the mating surface 1146 of thevalve member 1116 can be about the same as or smaller than thecross-section of the bore 1470 of the seal element 1460. In someembodiments, the inner cross-section of the luer tip seal 1119 can besmaller than or about the same as the inner cross-section of the bore1470 of the seal element 1460. In some embodiments, engagement betweenthe periphery of the bore 1470 and the first end 1112 of the maleconnector 1100 can help inhibit leakage of fluid to the mating surface1466 of the seal element 1460. For example, in some embodiments, theperiphery of the bore 1470 can engage with the mating surface 1176 ofthe luer tip seal 1119 and form a substantially fluid tight seal betweenthe fluid path within the two connectors and the mating surface 1466 ofthe seal element 1460. By sealing the mating surface 1466 of the sealelement 1460 from the fluid, the mating surface 1466 can remain dryduring and after fluid transfer and lower the risk that a health careprovider could be exposed to the fluid.

In some embodiments, the inner cross-section of the luer tip seal 1119can be smaller than or about the same as the outer cross-section of thetube 1487 near the first end 1482 of the fluid conduit 1480. In someembodiments, the luer tip seal 1119 can “wipe” the outer surface of thetube 1487 as it passes through the luer tip seal 1119 during openingand/or closing of the valve member 1116. In some variants, wiping of theouter surface of the tube 1487 as it passes through the luer tip seal1119 can help inhibit the congregation of or leakage of fluid in theregion of the first end 1402 of the female connector 1400. As explainedabove, in some embodiments, the natural outer cross-section of themating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116 can be slightly larger thanthe natural inner cross section of the luer tip seal 1119. In someembodiments, the luer tip seal 1119 can wipe the outer surface of thevalve member 1116 as the valve member 116 moves toward a closedconfiguration from an open configuration. In some implementations,wiping of the outer surface of the valve member 1116 can help reduce thelikelihood of fluid congregation or leakage in the region of the firstend 1112 of the male connector 1100 during and/or after disengagementbetween the mating surface 1486 of fluid conduit 1480 and the matingsurface 1146 of the valve member 1116. By preventing congregation orleakage of fluid in the region of the first end 1112 of the maleconnector 1100 and/or in the region of the first end 1402 of the femaleconnector 1400, the luer tip seal 1119 can help to reduce the likelihoodthat health care providers would be exposed to the fluid.

The mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116 can have a protrusion1147 that can accept a complementary cavity 1490 on the mating surface1486 of the fluid conduit 1480. In some embodiments, as describedherein, the protrusion can be on the fluid conduit 1480 and the cavitycan be on the valve member 1116. The protrusion 1147 and cavity 490 canhelp to align the male connector 1100 and female connector 1400 duringcoupling so that the components align for proper displacement of parts.In some embodiments, the cavity and protrusion can have a circularcross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the cavity and protrusioncan be any of a plurality of different types of shapes, such as squareor polygonal.

In some embodiments, the extended portion 1447 of the female housing1440 can have an outer diameter or cross-section that is substantiallysimilar to the inner diameter or cross-section of the shroud 1124 of themale connector 1100. In some embodiments, engagement between the outerdiameter or cross-section of the extended portion 1447 and the innerdiameter or cross-section of the shroud 1124 can help the male connector1100 and the female connector 1400 resist tilting off-axis with respectto each other, especially during the initial coupling stage (e.g. tohelp to keep the longitudinal axis of the male connector 1100 alignedwith the longitudinal axis of the female connector 1400). In someembodiments, engagement between the outer cross-section of the extendedportion 1447 and the inner cross-section of the shroud 1124 can helpprevent lateral movement between the connectors 1100, 1400 and betweenthe mating surfaces 1486, 1146. Maintaining general or substantialalignment between the longitudinal axes of and/or preventing lateralmovement of the female connector 1400 and the male connector 1100 canhelp maintain sealed contact between the mating surface 1486 of thefluid conduit 1480 and the mating surface 1146 of the valve member 1116.Maintaining sealed contact between the two mating surfaces 1146, 1486can help reduce the likelihood that fluid will come into contact witheither mating surface 1146, 1486.

With reference to FIG. 52, in the open configuration, fluid can flowfrom the second end 1114 of the male connector 1100, into the end capportion 1130, through the passageway 1156, out the ports 1162 on thevalve member 1116, into the luer tip 1122, into the ports 1488 on thefluid conduit 1480, through the passageway 1418, through the first capcomponent 1420 on the female connector 1400, and out the male luerengagement 1485 at the second end 1404 of the female connector 1400.Thus, in the open configuration, the second end of the male connector1100 can be in fluid communication with the second end 1404 of thefemale connector 1400.

The connectors 1100, 1400 can be disengaged by actuating the releasebutton 1126 on the tabs 1125 of the male connector 1100. In theillustrated embodiment, the release button 1126 can be pressed to liftthe hooks 1127 out of the channel 1444 of the female connector 1400. Theforce stored in the compressing of the tube section 1117 of the valvemember 1116 during engagement can return the male connector 1100 to itspre-engaged state by biasing the closure end 1144 of the valve member1116 to engage the inner surface of the luer tip 1122. Likewise, theresilient material of the seal element 1460 allows the seal element 1460to return to its shape in the closed configuration where the sealingportion 1462 can seal the ports 1488 on the fluid conduit 1480. In someembodiments, during the closing process, the valve member of the maleconnector 1100 and the tube 1487 of the female connector 1400, and therespective fluid-flow openings 1162, 1488 in these structures, arepositioned within the respective housings of the male and femaleconnectors 1100, 1400, in contact with, behind, and/or sealed off by,resilient or flexible sealing components, before the mating ends of thedevices are separated from each other upon disconnection, asillustrated.

FIGS. 53-65 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 2000that comprises a male connector 2100 and a female connector 2400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 53-65 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 1000 andcorresponding male connector 1100 and female connector 1400, (e.g. maleconnector 2100 v. male connector 1100). It is to be understood that thecomponents can be the same in function or are similar in function topreviously-described components. The connector system 2000 of FIGS.53-65 shows certain variations to the connector system 1000 of FIGS.33-52.

In some embodiments, the male connector 2100 comprises tactile releaseridges 2126. In some embodiments, the male connector 2100 and femaleconnector 2400 each comprise a second cap portion 2134 (see FIG. 55)which has an annular ridge 2135 (see FIG. 56). The annular ridge 2135can comprise one or more notches (e.g., as shown in FIG. 43) or nonotches (e.g., as shown in FIG. 56). In some embodiments, the maleconnector 2100 can comprise a valve member 2116 with a spring member2117 and an end piece 2145. The end piece 2145 can comprise a matingsurface 2146, a protrusion 2147, an annular flange 2149 and/or one ormore ports 2162. In some embodiments, the end piece 2145 can be formedof a generally rigid material such as a hard plastic, or it can beformed of a resilient or flexible material.

In some configurations, the male connector 2100 can comprise a luer tipseal 2119 which can be disposed between the male housing 2123 and thevalve member 2116. In some configurations, the luer tip seal 2119 caninhibit or seal fluid flow from the ports 2162 of the end piece 2145when the male connector 2100 is in a closed configuration, asillustrated in FIG. 57. In some embodiments, the luer tip seal 2119 canbe substantially cylindrical and can comprise an annular flange 2177 anda central opening. The annular flange 2177 can be retained in the axialdirection by one or more retaining structures, such as by beingpositioned between a plurality of interior retainer tabs 2171 and aplurality of exterior retainer tabs 2173 on the male luer tip 2122, asillustrated in FIG. 57. In some embodiments, the luer tip seal 2119 canbe secured to the male luer tip 2122 by adhesives, welding, interferencefit, friction fit, or any other suitable means.

FIGS. 57 and 65 illustrate an embodiment of the male connector 2100 in aclosed and open configuration, respectively. The spring member 2117 canbias the end piece 2145 of the valve member 2116 toward the first end2112 of the male connector 2100. When the male connector 2100 is in aclosed position, the interior retainer tabs 2171 can contact the annularflange 2149 of the end piece 2145 and inhibit movement of the end piece2145 in the direction of the first end 2112 of the male connector 2100.When the male connector 2100 is in the open position, the end piece 2145of the valve member 2116 can be displaced toward the second end 2114 ofthe male connector 2100. The annular flange 2149 of the end piece 2145can be configured to have a shape that generally corresponds to theshape of an interior wall 2152 of the male connector 2100. In someconfigurations, contact between the outer surface of the annular flange2149 and the interior wall 2152 can maintain substantially consistentalignment between the central axis of the passageway 2156 and thecentral axis of the end piece 2145 when the end piece 2145 moves betweenan open configuration and a closed configuration.

FIG. 63B illustrates an embodiment of a connector system 2000′ includinga male connector 2100′ and a female connector 2400′ configured toconnect with each other. Numerical references to components are the sameas or similar to those previously described in connection with FIG. 63,except that a prime symbol (′) has been added to the references. Wheresuch references occur, it is to be understood that the components arethe same or substantially similar to previously-described components. Asillustrated, the male connector 2100′ can include a valve member 2116′housed at least partially inside a male portion 2122′. The valve member2116′ can be biased toward the first end 2112′ of the male connector2100′ by a spring member 2117′ or other bias-providing member (e.g., aflexible tube). The valve member 2116′ can be retained within the maleportion 2122′ via retainer tabs 2171′. The retainer tabs 2171′ caninclude a sloped portion that can help facilitate high flow rates,and/or generally laminar, generally non-turbulent fluid flow, throughthe valve member 2116′ when the male connector 2100′ is in an openedconfiguration. In some embodiment, the retainer tabs 2171′ can helpresist or avoid turbulent flow through the valve member 2116′ when fluidis passed through the valve member 2116′ from the male connector 2100′to the female connector 2400′.

In some embodiments, a seal 1160′ can be configured to engage with anend of a plunger 1170′ and to sealingly contact the walls of the malehousing 2123′ to inhibit fluid from flowing around the plunger 1170′. Insome embodiments, a portion of the seal 1160′ can be configured toengage with an annular channel on an outer surface of the plunger 1170′.The seal 1160′ can extend around an end of the plunger 1170′ such thatthe spring member 2117′ can be retained within the male portion 2122′between the valve member 2116′ and a seal 1160′. In some embodiments,the seal 1160′ is configured to contact the walls of the male housing2123′ along an axial extent (e.g., axial distance parallel to the axialcenterline of the male housing 2123′) greater than the axial extent ofthe covering portion 1192′ of the first cap component 1132′.

As illustrated in FIG. 58A, a male connector 2100′ can include tabs2125′ with tactile release ridges 2126′ and hooks 2127′ configured toengage with a portion of the female connector 2400′. The tabs 2125′ caninclude one or more support structures, such as longitudinal ribs 2129,extending between tactile release ridges 2126′ and the hooks 2127′. Thetabs 2125′ with ribs 2129 can be generally rigid and can resist bendingbetween the ridges 2126′ and the hooks 2127′. In some embodiments, thetabs 2125′ with ribs 2129 can resist accidental disconnection of thehooks 2127′ from the female connector 2400′.

The tactile release ridges 2126′ of the tabs 2125′ can extend radiallyoutward from the axial centerline of the male connector 2100′. The maleconnector 2100′ can include a plurality of release ridges 2126′ or asingle release ridge 2126′. In some embodiments, one or more of therelease ridges 2126′ has a different height (e.g., radial extend fromthe axial centerline of the male portion 2122′) from one or more of theother release ridges 2126′. For example, and without limitation, therelease ridges 2126′ on the tabs 2125′ can be arranged in a steppedpattern, wherein the heights of the ridges 2126′ sequentially increasefrom a shortest release ridge 2126′ closest to the first end of the maleconnector 2100′ to a tallest release ridge 2126′ closest to the secondend of the male connector 2100′. In some such configurations, slippageof a user's fingers along the axial extent of the release ridges 2126′can be resisted while the user disconnects the male connector 2100′ fromthe female connector 2400′.

In some embodiments, the radial distance between the tallest tactilerelease ridge 2126′ and the axial centerline of the male portion 2122′(e.g., the height of the tallest tactile release ridge 2126′) is greaterthan or equal to about 120% and/or less than or equal to about 180% ofthe radial distance between the radially outward-most point of theshroud 2124′ and the axial centerline of the male portion 2122′. In someembodiments, the aforementioned ratio is about 165%. Many variations arepossible. The radial thickness of each of or at least one of the releaseridges 2126′, as measured from the radially outermost surface of theshroud 2124, can, in some embodiment, be greater than the radialthickness of the rib 2129, as measured from the radially outermostsurface of the shroud 2124. In some embodiments, tall tactile releaseridges 2126′ (e.g., ridges 2126′ with great radial heights) can reducethe likelihood that the fingers of a user of the male connector 2100′would touch the portions of the male housing 2123′ near and around therelease tabs 2125′ when releasing the tabs 2125′ from engagement withthe female housing 2400′.

The male housing 2123′ can include a sloped portion 2175 at an end ofthe male housing 2123′ opposite the mating surface 2128′ of the maleportion 2122′. The sloped portion 2175 can help facilitate insertion ofthe plunger 1170′ into the male housing 2123′ during manufacture of themale connector 2100′. For example, the sloped surface 2175 can helpguide (e.g., function as a funnel) an end of the plunger 1170′ into theend of the male portion 2122′ opposite the end of the male portion 2122′having the mating surface 2128′.

In some embodiments, the conduit 1480′ includes a conduit tip at or nearthe first end 1402′ of the female connector 2400′. The conduit tip canhave a mating surface 1486′. The conduit tip can include an engagementportion 1489. The engagement portion 1489 can be a separate componentadhered to or otherwise attached to the end of the conduit 1480′ closestto the first end 1402′ of the female connector 2400′. In someembodiments, the engagement portion 1489 and conduit 1402′ form amonolithic part. The engagement portion 1489 can be constructed from aflexible or semi flexible material.

In some embodiments, the engagement portion 1489 has a first surface(e.g., the mating surface 1486′) and a second surface. The matingsurface 1486′ can include an alignment structure 1490′ (e.g., aprotrusion, recess, or other surface geometry). The second surface canbe located opposite the mating surface 1486′ and can be interfaced with(e.g., adhered to, welded to) the tip of the conduit 1480′. In someembodiments, the mating surface 1486′ and the second surface of theengagement portion 1489 can move toward each other upon connectionbetween the female connector 2400′ and the male connector 2100′. In somesuch configurations, movement of the mating surface 1486′ toward thesecond surface can compress the material of the engagement portion 1489.Compression can bias the mating surface 1486′ and alignment structure1490′ toward the mating surface 2146′ of the valve member 2116′. In someconfigurations, passage of fluid between the mating surface 2146′ andthe mating surface 1486′ is inhibited and the exposure of the matingsurface 2146′ and the mating surface 1486′ to fluid is resisted.

The conduit 1480′ of the female connector 2400′ can include a slopedportion 1493 located near the end of the conduit 1480′ opposite themating surface 1486′. In some embodiments, the sloped portion 1493resists or avoids turbulence in the flow of fluid through the femaleconnector 2400′. In some embodiments, the sloped portion 1493 of theconduit 1480′ helps to inhibit the conduit 1480′ from buckling undercompressive loading.

In some embodiments, the male connector 100 can be used with otherconnectors. FIG. 66 illustrates a cross-section of the male connector100 of an embodiment adjacent an example of an open-ended female luer92. The female luer 92 can comprise an elongate body 72 having a fluidpassageway 74 therethrough, and the female luer 92 can have a first end76. In some embodiments, the first end 76 of the female luer 92 can havea radially extending surface 78 disposed on its external surface. Thefemale luer 92 can have a fluid conduit positioned within the femaleluer 92. The fluid conduit is not included or required in all femaleconnectors compatible with the male connectors 100 disclosed herein.Along an inner surface 80 of the female luer 92, the fluid passageway 74can be flared outwardly or tapered such that the diameter of the fluidpassageway 74 increases towards the first end 76.

FIG. 66 illustrates the male connector 100 in a closed configuration.The struts 150 of the valve member 116 extend through slots in the malehousing 123 such that their ends extend to positions near the end of theshroud 124 toward the first end 112 of the male connector 100. Thesestruts 150 are configured to engage the mating ends 84 of the femaleluer 92 as the female luer 92 advances into engagement with the maleconnector 100.

In FIG. 66, the male connector 100 and female luer 92 are shown in anuncoupled configuration. To couple the male connector 100 and femaleluer 92, the radially extending surface 78 of the female luer 92 arescrewed into the inner threads 126 of the male connector 100.

As shown in FIG. 67, the male connector 100 and female luer 92 can bethreadedly engaged towards one another until the taper of the innersurface 80 of the female luer 92 lies adjacent the correspondinglytapered external surface of the male luer tip 122 of the male connector100.

As the male connector 100 and female luer 92 move towards each otherinto threaded engagement, the mating end 84 of the tip of the femaleluer 92 contacts the struts 150 of the valve member 116. As the maleconnector 100 and female luer 92 move further into threaded engagement,the struts 150, and thereby the valve member 116, are moved in thedirection of the second end 114 of the male connector 100 by the femaleluer 92, displacing the valve member 116 relative to the male housing123. Thus, the closure end 144 moves from the end of the male luer tip122 of the male housing 123 towards the second end 114 of the maleconnector 100. As the closure end 144 separates from the male luer tip122, a space forms between the valve member 116 and the male housing 123and fluid is allowed to pass through the ports 162 and into the fluidpassageway 74 of the female luer 92, or vice versa. In some embodiments,the closure remains intact until the inner surface 80 of the female luer92 has formed a closing engagement with the outer surface of the maleluer tip 122 of the male luer 10. Thus, the passageway 156 of the maleconnector 100 does not come into fluid communication with the externalenvironment.

In some embodiments, the male connector 100 can be engaged with asyringe 50, as illustrated in FIG. 68. The syringe 50 and male connector100 are displayed adjacent to each other. The syringe can include a maleconnector 52, a plunger 58, a reservoir 60, and convenient fingeranchors 62. The connector 52 can have an internally threaded shroud 54and a syringe luer tip 56. In the illustrated embodiment of the maleconnector 100, external threads 136 are disposed on the outside surfaceof the second end 114 of the male connector 100.

With reference now to FIG. 69, the male connector 100 can be threadedlyengaged with the syringe 50. The shroud 54 can engage with the secondend 114 of the male connector 100 to connect the male connector 100 tothe syringe 50. The reservoir 60 of the syringe 50 can be placed influid communication with the passageway 156 of the male connector 100.

Turning to FIG. 70, the engagement illustrated in FIG. 69 is shown in across-sectional view. The syringe 50 is threadedly engaged with the maleconnector 100 by the engagement between the shroud 54 and the externalthreads 136 of the first cap component 132. The luer tip 56 of thesyringe 50 is inserted into first cap component 132. The reservoir 60 ofthe syringe can be in fluid communication with the passageway 156 of themale connector 100. The fluid can pass through the valve member 116 andtowards the luer tip 122 of the male connector 100. In the illustratedembodiment, the fluid cannot exit the male connector 100 because themale connector 100 is in a closed configuration.

Referring to FIG. 71, the male connector 100 is shown between a syringe50 and a needle assembly 63 with sheath 70. The syringe 50, like that ofFIG. 68, can comprise a male connector 52, a plunger 58, a reservoir 60,and convenient finger anchors 62. The connector 52 can further comprisean internally threaded shroud 54 and a syringe luer tip 56. The needleassembly 63 can comprise a housing 66 with raised tabs 64 on theengagement end and a needle 68.

With reference to FIG. 72, the male connector 100 is shown threadedlyengaged with both the syringe 50 and needle assembly 63. The externalthreads 136 of the first cap component 132 of the male connector 100 canengage with the threaded shroud 54 of the syringe 50. Accordingly, theluer tip 56 on the syringe 50 can insert into the luer receiver 158 ofthe male connector 100. Similarly, the raised tabs 64 on the needleassembly 63 can engage with the internal threads 126 of the shroud 124of the male connector 100. The luer tip 122 of the male connector 100can insert into the housing 66 of the needle sheath.

In FIG. 73, the engagement shown in FIG. 72 is illustrated in across-sectional view. The male connector 100 is engaged by a syringe 50and a needle with a sheath 70. The syringe 50 is threadedly engaged withthe external thread 136 of the first cap component 132 of the maleconnector 100. The needle assembly 63 is threadedly engaged with theinternal threads 126 of the shroud 124 of the male connector 100.

The male connector 100 is engaged with the needle assembly 63. Thehousing 66 of the needle assembly 63 has raised tabs 64 near one end.The raised tabs 64 can threadedly engage the internal threads 126 of theshroud 124 of the male connector 100. As the luer tip 122 advances intothe housing 66 of the needle assembly 63, the tabs 64 of the housing 66can contact the struts 150 of the valve member 116. When the needleassembly 63 is fully engaged with the male connector 100, the valvemember 116 is displaced a distance which separates the closure end 144from the luer tip 122 sufficiently to permit fluid to flow out the ports162 of the valve member 116. The fluid can then flow out the first end112 of the male connector 100 and into the housing 66 of the needleassembly 63. The hollow needle 68 can allow the fluid to flow fromwithin the housing 66 out the tip of the needle 68. At this stage, thesyringe 50 can be in fluid communication with the distal tip of theneedle 68. As was previously illustrated in FIGS. 69 and 70, in someembodiments, the male connector 100 can be in a closed configurationwithout a component engaged with the first end 112 of the male connector100. The component illustrated in FIGS. 71-73 is a needle assembly 63;however, other components, such as those which permit fluid flow andpossess a female luer engagement portion, can also be used.

At present, some potentially harmful medications are distributed insealed vials. The medication is removed from the vial by inserting aneedle, and drawing the medication into a syringe. The needle is thenwithdrawn from the vial and the medication can be dispensed. However, byinserting the needle into the medication for drawing into the syringe,medication is disposed on the outside of the needle, which caninadvertently come in contact with the skin and cause harm. In someembodiments, a vial adaptor which penetrates the vial with a penetratingsystem can be used. In such a vial adaptor, the medication is drawnthrough the mechanism and passed directly to a syringe or other medicaldevice for injection without the additional step of withdrawing themechanism from the vial. Even if such a vial adaptor is used, there isstill the possibility of latent medication remaining on the male endused to withdraw and then later to inject the medication, or on the vialadaptor after it may be decoupled from the male end.

With closeable medical connectors of the type disclosed herein, flow ofthe medication out of a syringe with a needle is resisted, except duringdesired application. For example, in some embodiments, a syringe with amale connector will not leak medication when packaged for shipment, evenif the package is vacuum-sealed. Once the package is opened, the maleconnector can be engaged with a female connector of an IV tube, forexample, and the medication dispensed only when the connection isengaged. Following flow of the medication from the syringe through theengaged connectors and into the IV tube, the male connector can bedisengaged from the female connector. In some embodiments, theconnectors can close on disengagement, preventing excess flow throughthe connectors. The mating ends of the connectors can be isolated fromthe medication, such that after the connectors are disengaged, residualmedication does not migrate onto the mating ends.

FIGS. 74-77 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 3000that comprises a male connector 3100 and a female connector 3400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 74-77 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 1000 andcorresponding male connector 1100 and female connector 1400, (e.g. maleconnector 3100 v. male connector 1100). It is to be understood that thecomponents can be the same in function or are similar in function topreviously-described components. The connector system 3000 of FIGS.74-77 shows certain variations to the connector system 1000 of FIGS.33-52. As with all embodiments disclosed herein, it is contemplated thatany function, step, or structure illustrated or described in one or moreembodiments can be used with, substituted for, or replaced with, anyfunction, step, or structure of one or more other embodiments, withadaptations as necessary.

In some embodiments, the male connector 3100 has a first end 3112 and asecond end 3114. The male connector 3100 can have a tube member 3187.The tube member 3187 can have a closed end 3144 and an opened end 3149.In some embodiments, both ends of the tube member 3187 are closed. Insome embodiments, such as those with other means for selectively closingthe fluid path on the first end, both ends of the tube member 3187 canbe open. The tube member 3187 can have a generally cylindrical shape, aninternal cross-section, an external cross-section, and an axialcenterline. In some embodiments, there are one or more tapered and/orflared portions along the axial length of the tube member 3187. In someembodiments, the tube member 3187 has a generally rectangular prismshape, a generally triangular prism shape, a generally oval shape, agenerally hexagonal prism shape, or any other shape suitable for achannel. The tube member 3187 can include an internal passageway 3156extending between the closed end 3144 and the opened end 3149 of thetube member 3187. In some embodiments, the internal passageway 3156 canterminate near the closed end 3144 at one or more ports 3162. The one ormore ports 3162 can extend from the internal passageway 3156 through thewall of the tube member 3187. In some embodiments, the internalpassageway 3156 is in fluid communication with the conduit 1194.

In some embodiments, the male connector 3100 has a sleeve member 3163.The sleeve member 3163 can have a generally cylindrical shape, aninternal cross-section, an external cross-section, and an axialcenterline. In some embodiments, the sleeve member 3163 can besubstantially coaxial with the tube member 3187. In some embodiments,the sleeve member 3163 can include one or more flared and/or taperedsections along its axial length. The internal cross-section of thesleeve member 3163 can be substantially the same shape as or a shapesimilar to the external cross-section of the tube member 3187.

As illustrated in FIG. 74, the sleeve member 3163 can include a firstsleeve portion 3165 generally adjacent to the closed end of the tubemember 3187 and a second sleeve portion 3164 spaced from the closed endof the tube member and/or generally adjacent to the end of the tubemember 3187 opposite the ports 3162. In some embodiments, the firstsleeve portion 3165 connects to the second sleeve portion 3164 via anadhesive, sonic welding, solvent bonding, or some other suitable meansof adhering. The first sleeve portion 3165 can be constructed of aplastic or some other rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material. In someembodiments, the second sleeve portion 3164 can be constructed of amaterial that is less hard or less rigid than the first sleeve portion3165, such as a rubber, silicone, or some other resilient, flexible orsemi-flexible material. In some embodiments, the first sleeve portion3165 is constructed of a flexible or semi-flexible material. In someembodiments, the second sleeve portion 3164 is constructed of a rigid orsemi-rigid material. In some embodiments, both the first sleeve portion3165 and the second sleeve portion 3164 are constructed of either aflexible material or a rigid material. The first sleeve portion 3165 canhave a mating surface 3176 near the first end 3112 of the male connector3100. In some embodiments, the tube member 3187 has a mating surface3146 generally adjacent the mating surface 3176 of the first sleeveportion 3165.

The first sleeve portion 3165 can include one or more grooves on itsinner wall (e.g., toward the axial centerline of the sleeve portion3163). In some embodiments, at least one groove can be located near theclosed end 3144 of the tube member 3187 when the sleeve portion 3163 isin a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 74. A sealing member 3119can be housed at least partially within the groove. In some embodiments,the sealing member 3119 can contact the outer (e.g., away from the axialcenterline of the tube member 3187) surface of the tube member 3187. Insome embodiments, contact between the sealing member 3119 and the tubemember 3187 can create an annular seal around the tube member 3187. Aseal can inhibit fluid from contacting the mating surfaces 3146, 3176 ofthe male connector 3100 when the sleeve portion 3163 is in the closedposition. In some embodiments, the sealing member 3119 can be located atleast partially within a groove in the outside surface of the tubemember 3187 near the closed end 3144 of the tube member 3187.

In some embodiments, the second sleeve portion 3164 includes a flange3189. The flange 3189 can be configured to engage with a slot 3135 inthe male housing 3123. In some embodiments, engagement between theflange 3189 and the slot 3135 can inhibit the sleeve member 3163 fromseparating from the male housing 3123 in the axial direction. In someembodiments, the portion of the sleeve member 3163 that is spaced apartfrom the first end 3112 of the male connector 3100 is attached to themale housing 3123 via adhesive(s), snap-fit, solvent bonding, sonicwelding, or some other suitable means of attachment.

In some embodiments, the female connector 3400 includes a resilient orflexible valve member 3416, a female housing 3440, and a cap component3420. In the illustrated example, there is no interior spike, port, orother rigid member within or supporting the valve member 3416. Asillustrated in FIG. 75, the female connector 3400 can have a first end3402 and a second end 3404 that is spaced from or opposite from thefirst end 3402. The valve member 3416 can be configured to transitionbetween an opened configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 77) and aclosed configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 75). In someembodiments, the valve member 3416 is constructed of rubber, silicone,or some other flexible or semi-flexible material. In some embodiments, aspace between the valve member 3416 and the inner walls of the femalehousing 3440 provides a flow chamber 3428.

As illustrated, the distance or space between the outer surface of thevalve member 3416 and the inner surface of the housing 3440 can besufficiently large to provide a high-flow, low fluid-resistant passagein the region near the connection between the male and female connectors3000, 3400. In some embodiments, the space between the outer surface ofthe valve member 3416 and the inner surface of the housing 3440 can besufficiently small (e.g., less than or substantially less than thecross-sectional width of the valve member 3416 near its closing end, orless than or substantially less than the cross-sectional width of theinner surface of the fluid passageway 3418 near the second end 3404) tosubstantially eliminate or produce only a small amount of dead spacewithin the female connector 3400. In some embodiments, the space betweenthe outer surface of the valve member 3416 and the inner surface can beadjusted or configured so that the internal fluid volume within thefemale connector 3400 is generally the same when in both the opened andclosed positions to produce a generally neutral-flow connector. As withall other disclosure herein, it is contemplated that this generallyneutral-flow feature can be used in any other embodiment herein.

The valve member 3416 can include an elongate portion 3419. The elongateportion 3419 can have a substantially cylindrical shape, an axialcenterline, an inner cross-section, and/or an outer cross-section. Insome embodiments, the outer cross-section of the elongate portion 3419is generally rectangular, generally triangular, generally oval shaped,generally hexagonal, any other suitable shape, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the shape of the outer-cross section ofthe elongate portion 3419 varies along the axial centerline of theelongate portion 3419. The female housing 3440 can have an opening 3409adjacent the first end 3402 of the female connector 3402. The opening3409 can have an inner cross-section. The inner cross-section of theopening 3409 can be sized and/or shaped to substantially match orcorrespond to the outer cross-section of the elongate portion 3419 ofthe valve member 3416. In some such embodiments, contact between theouter cross-section of the elongate portion 3419 and the innercross-section of the opening 3409 creates a substantial fluid tightseal. Such a seal can inhibit fluid from passing between the flowchamber 3428 and the exterior of the female housing 3440 via the opening3409 when the valve member 3416 is in the closed configuration.

The valve member 3416 can be resilient and/or can include a flexingand/or expanding portion 3415. In some embodiments, the portion 3415 hasa substantially cylindrical shape, an axial centerline, an innercross-section, and/or an outer cross-section. In some embodiments, theportion 3415 includes one or more flared and/or tapered portions alongits axial length. The portion 3415 can be split into two or more regionsvia axial and/or radially-tangential openings in the portion 3415. Forexample, the portion 3415 can have two or more axial spaces that formtwo or more “legs” on the portion 3415. In some embodiments, the portion3415 has no openings or spaces. In some embodiments, the valve member3416 includes a transition portion 3412 between the elongate portion3419 and the portion 3415. The transition portion 3412 can be configuredto affect the overall stiffness of the valve member 3416. For example,the transition portion 3412 can be shaped such that the transitionportion 3412 creates a collapsing point or region for the valve member3416 when the elongate portion 3419 is pushed toward the portion 3415,as will be described in detail below.

In some embodiments, the portion 3415 can include a flange 3417. Theflange 3417 can be configured to engage with a channel 3445 in thefemale housing 3440. In some embodiments, engagement between the flange3417 and the channel 3445 inhibits the valve member 3416 moving awayfrom the female housing 3440 toward the first end of the female housing3440 in the axial direction. In some embodiments, the female housing3440 includes a tapered portion 3407. The tapered portion 3407 can helpguide the elongate portion 3419 toward the opening 3409 when the valvemember 3416 transitions from the opened configuration to the closedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the female connector 3400 can include one or moreconduits or openings 3488. The conduits or openings 3488 can be in fluidcommunication with the flow chamber 3428. In some embodiments, theconduits are in fluid communication with a passageway 1418 in the femaleconnector 3400. In some embodiments, the conduits or openings 3488 arein fluid communication with both the flow chamber 3428 and thepassageway 1418. The conduits or openings 3488 can extend through thefemale housing 3440, through the cap component 3420, through both thefemale housing 3440 and the cap component 3420, or through neither thefemale housing 3440 nor the cap component 3420.

The first end 3402 of the female connector 3400 can include one or morealignment structures. In some embodiments, the one or more alignmentstructures can comprise protrusions, cavities, indentations or othersurface features. For example, the valve member 3416 can include anindentation 3490. The indentation 3490 can be sized and shaped toreleasably engage with an alignment structure on the first end 3112 ofthe male connector 3100. In some embodiments, the indentation 3490 issized and shaped to releasably engage with a protrusion 3147 on the tubemember 3187 of the male connector 3100. Furthermore, the valve member3416 can include a mating surface 3486 generally proximate theindentation 3490.

In some embodiments, the female housing 3440 includes one or moreindentations 3490 a. The one or more indentations 3490 a can beconfigured to releasably engage with one or more protrusions 3147 a onthe first sleeve portion 3165. In some embodiments, the female housingincludes an annular indentation configured to releasably engage with anannular protrusion on the first sleeve portion 3165. The female housing3440 can include a mating surface 3466 generally adjacent the matingsurface 3486 of valve member 3416.

As illustrated in FIGS. 76-77, the female connector 3400 and maleconnector 3100 can be mated together. In some embodiments, such matingcan cause the valve member 3416 to transition to the openedconfiguration. At least a portion of the tube member 3187 can advanceinto the female connector 3400 and push the elongate portion 3419 of thevalve member 3416 toward the second end 3404 of the female connector3400. Engagement between the indentation 3490 on the tip of the elongateportion 3419 and the protrusion 3147 on the tube member 3187 can helpinhibit radial movement or tilting (e.g., tilting with respect to anaxial centerline of the female connector 3400) as the elongate portion3419 is pushed toward the second end 3404 of the female connector 3400.

Pushing of the elongate portion toward the second end 3404 can cause thetransition portion 3412 of the valve member 3416 to collapse. In someembodiments, collapse of the transition portion 3412 and/or portion 3415can create an opposing spring force that can bias the elongate portion3419 to the closed configuration. For example, as the female connector3400 and the male connector 3100 are detached (e.g., pulled apart fromeach other), the transition portion 3412 and or portion 3415 can causethe elongate portion 3419 to maintain contact with the tube member 3187until the valve member 3416 returns to the closed configuration. In someembodiments, the female housing 3440 is configured to wipe dry the outerside surfaces of tube member 3187 and the elongate portion 3419 of thevalve member 3416 as the female connector 3400 and the male connector3100 are disconnected. In some embodiments, the female connector 3400can include a wiping surface, such as a narrow edge or a radiallyconstraining O-ring to wipe down and remove fluid from one or more sidesurfaces within or outside of the connector.

In some embodiments, the female connector 3400 can include a vent 3430that creates fluid communication between the interior of the femaleconnector 3400 and the exterior of the female connector 3400. The vent3430 can help prevent pressure buildup in the female connector 3400 whenthe elongate portion 3419 is pushed toward the second end 3404 of thefemale connector 3400. In some embodiments, as illustrated, a portion ofthe vent can be positioned at a location on the housing that is incommunication with an interior space that is at least partially enclosedby, or generally surrounded by, a portion of the valve member 3416.

Mating of the female connector 3400 and the male connector 3100 canbring the mating surface 3466 of the female housing 3440 into contactwith the mating surface 3176 of the first sleeve portion 3165. Thefemale housing 3440 can push the first sleeve portion 3165 toward thesecond end 3114 of the male connector 3100. Pushing the first sleeveportion 3165 toward the second end 3114 of the male connector 3100 cancause the second sleeve portion 3164 to collapse. In some embodiments,collapse of the second sleeve portion 3164 can create a spring forcewithin the second sleeve portion 3164 that can bias the first sleeveportion 3165 toward the first end 3112 of the male connector 3100. Sucha biasing force can help to ensure that the first sleeve portion 3165returns to the closed position as the male connector 3100 and the femaleconnector 3400 are disconnected.

In some embodiments, as the first end 3402 of the female connector movestoward the second end 3114 of the male connector, the one or more ports3162 near the closed end 3144 of the tube member 3187 are withdrawn fromthe first sleeve portion 3165. Withdrawing the one or more ports 3162from the first sleeve portion 3165 can create fluid communicationbetween the luer receiver 1158 and the flow chamber 3428 within thefemale connector 3400. Fluid within the flow chamber 3428 can flowthrough the one or more conduits or openings 3488 and through the fluidpassageway 3418. In some embodiments, mating of the female connector3400 with the male connector 3100 can create fluid communication betweenthe luer receiver 1158 and the fluid passageway 3418. As shown in theexample illustrated in FIG. 77, the central mating interface between themale and female connectors in the fully open configuration can bepositioned in some embodiments within the female connector and outsideof the sleeve portion 3163 of the male connector.

FIGS. 78-80 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 4000that comprises a male connector 3100 and a female connector 4400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 78-80 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 3000 andcorresponding male connector 3100 and female connector 3400, (e.g.female connector 3400 v. female connector 4400). It is to be understoodthat the components can be the same in function or are similar infunction to previously-described components. The connector system 4000of FIGS. 78-80 shows certain variations to the connector system 3000 ofFIGS. 74-77.

As illustrated in FIG. 78, the female connector 4400 can include afemale housing 4400, a cap component 4420, and a valve member 4416. Insome embodiments, the female connector has a first end 4402 and a secondend 4404. The space between the inner walls of the female housing 4400and the outer surface of the valve member 4416 can define a chamber4428. In some embodiments, the cap component 4420 includes a passageway4418 extending through the cap component 4420 from the second end 4404through the cap component 4420 toward the first end 4402. In someembodiments, the valve member 4416 is configured to transition betweenan opened configuration (as shown in FIG. 80) and a closed configuration(as shown in FIG. 78). The valve member 4416 can include an elongateportion 4419 with many or all of the same characteristics as theelongate portion 3419. In some embodiments, the valve member 4416includes an expanded portion 4415. The portion 4415 can include one ormore ports 4488. The ports 4488 can be generally circular in shape,generally rectangular, generally triangular, or any other appropriateshape. In some embodiments, the ports 4488 are openings (e.g., slits orgrooves) which open upon transition of the valve member 4416 from theclosed configuration to the opened configuration. The ports 4488 canprovide fluid communication between the chamber 4428 and the passageway4418.

In some embodiments, the female connector 4400 mates with the maleconnector 3100 in a manner similar to that of the female connector 3400.Thus, performance of like components of the female connector 4400 andthe female connector 3400 can be similar or the same. Entry of the tubemember 3187 into the chamber 4428 of the female connector 4400 can pushthe elongate portion 4419 toward the second end 4404 of the femaleconnector 4400. Movement of the elongate portion 4419 toward the secondend 4404 of the female connector 4400 can cause the transition portion4412 of the valve member 4416 to collapse. In some embodiments, movementof the elongate portion 4419 toward the second end 4404 of the femaleconnector 4400 can cause the expanded portion 4415 of the valve member4416 to collapse, compress, or otherwise move. Moving the expandedportion 4415 can open the one or more ports 4488 on the expandedportion. In some embodiments, the one or more ports 4488 are open whenthe expanded portion 4415 is compressed and when the expanded portion4415 is uncompressed. Opening of the one or more ports 4488 can createfluid communication between the chamber 4428 and the passageway 4418. Insome embodiments, mating between the female connector 4400 and the maleconnector 3400 can create fluid communication between the luer receiver1158 and the fluid passageway 4418, as illustrated in FIG. 80. In someembodiments, the region within the valve member 4416 into which fluidflows can be sufficiently small, or sufficiently collapsible when in theclosed configuration, to substantially eliminate negative inflow ornegative pressure into the connector as the connector moves into aclosed state.

FIGS. 81-84 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 5000that comprises a male connector 5100 and a female connector 5400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 81-84 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 20 andcorresponding male connector 100 and female connector 400, (e.g. femaleconnector 400 v. female connector 5400). It is to be understood thatcomponents or portions of the connector system 5000 can be the same infunction or are similar in function to previously-described componentsor portions. The connector system 5000 of FIGS. 81-84 shows certainvariations to the connector system 20 of FIGS. 1-32.

As illustrated in FIG. 81, the male connector 5100 can have a first end5112 and a second end 5114. The male connector 5100 can include a malehousing 5123 generally proximate the first end 5112 and a cap component5132 generally proximate the second end 5114. The cap component 5132 canbe attached to the male housing 5123 via an adhesive, sonic welding,solvent bonding, any other suitable method of adhering or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, the second end 5114 of themale connector 5100 includes a female luer connection with externalthreads 5136. In some embodiments, the second end 5114 includes a luerreceiver 5158.

In some embodiments, the first end 5112 of the male connector 5100includes a male luer tip 5122. The male housing 5123 can include ashroud 5124 surrounding the male luer tip 5122. The shroud 5124 can haveinternal threads 5126. The male luer tip 5122 and/or the shroud 5124 canbe integral with the male housing 5123. In some embodiments, the maleluer tip 3122 and/or the shroud 5124 are removable from the male housing5123. The internal threads 5126 and the luer tip 5122 can form a maleluer engagement that conforms to ANSI specifications for maleconnectors. In some embodiments, the internal threads 5126 and/or theluer tip 5122 form a male luer engagement that is non-standard (e.g., itdoes not conform to ANSI specifications for male connectors). In someembodiments, non-conformity with standards can help reduce thelikelihood of accidental connection of the male connector 5100 withother connectors which are not designed to be used in delivering thesame type of medical fluids (e.g., potentially higher risk medicalfluids can be delivered using non-standard connections). This can reducethe risk of accidental infusion of higher-risk fluids through connectorsor accumulation of higher-risk residual liquid on the external ends ofconnectors, thereby reducing the risk of exposing patients and/or careproviders to dangerous and/or toxic substances used in conjunction withthe connector system 5000 As with all features disclosed herein,non-standard (e.g., non-ANSI-compliant) configurations can be used withany other embodiments disclosed herein, including, but not limited to,connector systems 02, 1000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, and9000.

A valve member 5116 can be housed within the male housing 5123 and/orwithin the cap component 5132. In some embodiments, the valve member5116 has a closed end 5144 and an opened end 5145. In some embodiments,both ends of the valve member 5116 are closed. In some embodiments, bothends of the valve member 5116 are opened. In some embodiments, the valvemember 5116 can have an axial centerline, an inner cross-section, and anouter cross-section. The valve member 5116 can be configured totransition between an opened configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIG.84) and a closed configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 81, 83).

The valve member 5116 can include a passageway 5156. The passageway 5156can extend through both ends of the valve member 5116. In someembodiments, the passageway 5156 extends from an opening on the openedend 5145 of the valve member 5116 to one or more ports 5162 near theclosed end 5144 of the valve member 5116. The male connector 5100 caninclude a sealing member 5119 configured to engage with a groove in theinner (e.g., toward the axial centerline of the valve member 5116)surface of the male luer tip 5122. The sealing member 5119 can be aflexible or semi-flexible O-ring or some other appropriate component forproviding a fluid seal. In some embodiments, the sealing member 5119creates a fluid seal around the outer cross-section of the valve member5116 when the valve member 5116 is in a closed position, as illustratedin FIG. 81. The valve member 5116 can include a stepped portion 5149. Insome embodiments, the stepped portion 5149 defines an axial location onthe valve member 5116 where the outer cross-section of the valve member5116 reduces. The reduced outer cross-section portion of the valvemember 5116 can define an annular chamber 5163 between the outercross-section of the valve member 5116 and the inner surface of the maleluer tip 5122. The annular chamber 5163 can be bound in the axialdirection between the stepped portion 5149 and the sealing member 5119.

In some embodiments, the valve member 5116 can include one or morestruts 5150. The struts 5150 can be separate parts attached to the valve5116. In some embodiments, the struts 5150 and the valve 5116 form aunitary part. The struts 5150 and/or valve member 5116 can include oneor more alignment features. The alignment features can be protrusions,indentations, channels, or any other suitable feature or combination offeatures. For example, the valve member 5116 can include an indentation5147. Furthermore, the struts 5150 can include one or more protrusions5147 a. In some embodiments, the valve member 5116 can include a matingsurface 5146 generally adjacent the indentation 5147. Furthermore, insome embodiments, the sealing member 5119 includes a mating surface 5176generally adjacent the mating surface 5146 of the valve member 5116.

In some embodiments, the male connector 5100 can include a resilientmember 5118. The resilient member 5118 can be housed within the malehousing 5123 and/or within the cap component 5132. In some embodiments,the resilient member 5118 is constructed of rubber, silicone, some otherflexible/semi-flexible material, or some combination thereof. Theresilient member 5118 can include a connection feature such as, forexample, a flange 5115, configured to allow the resilient member toconnect to the male housing 5123 and/or to the cap component 5132. Theflange 5115 can be configured to fit within a receiving feature such as,for example, groove 5169 formed in the inner wall of the male housing5123 and/or the cap component 5132. Engagement between the flange 5115and the groove 5169 can inhibit a portion of the resilient member 5118close to the flange 5115 from moving in the axial directions.

In some embodiments, the resilient member 5118 includes a first portion5113 extending in the axial direction from the flange 5115 toward thefirst end 5112 of the male connector 5100. In some embodiments, theresilient member 5118 includes a second portion 5117 extending in theaxial direction from the flange 5115 toward the second end 5114 of themale connector 5100. The first portion 5113 and/or second portion 5117can have a generally cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the firstportion 5113 and/or the second portion 5117 are constructed of a seriesof O-rings connected together via portions of flexible or semi-flexiblematerial. In some embodiments, the first portion 5113 and/or the secondportion 5117 are constructed of a portion of flexible and/orsemi-flexible material having a uniform thickness along its axiallength. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first portion 5113and/or the second portion 5117 varies along the axial length of thefirst portion 5113 and/or the second portion 5117.

In some embodiments, the valve member 5116 includes one or more retainerridges 5142. The one or more retainer ridges 5142 can be configured toinhibit radial migration of the axial end of the first portion 5113 ofthe resilient member 5118. In some embodiments, the opened end 5145 ofthe valve member 5116 can extend into the cap component 5132. In someembodiments, the second portion 5117 of the resilient member 5118 can beconfigured to fit snugly, tightly, or closely around the opened end 5145of the valve member 5116. In some embodiments, the end of the secondportion 5117 furthest from the flange 5115 can form a sealed barrieraround the opened end 5145 of the valve member 5116.

In some embodiments, the end of the second portion 5117 of the resilientmember 5118 furthest from the flange 5115 can have a flexible,resilient, or expanding portion 5111. The portion 5111 can be configuredto fill the luer receiver 5158 and substantially seal the second end5114 of the male connector 5100. In some embodiments, the portion 5111includes a valve. The valve can comprise, for example, one or moreslits, one or more small apertures, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the valve in the portion 5111 is normally closed. In someembodiments, the valve in the portion 5111 is normally opened and isbiased closed by the engagement between the portion 5111 and the luerreceived 5158. In some embodiments, the portion 5111 can be configuredto allow the opened end 5145 of the valve member 5116 to pass throughthe valve in the portion 5111. According to some configurations, theportion 5111 is generally flush with and essentially completely fillsthe second end 5144 of the male connector 5100. In some embodiments, theportion 5111 extends beyond the second end 5144 of the male connector5100. In some embodiments, the portion 5111 is swabable.

As illustrated in FIG. 82, the female connector 5400 can have a firstend 5402 and a second end 5404. In some embodiments, the femaleconnector includes a female housing 5440 and a cap component 5481. Thecap component 5481 can be connected to the female housing 5440 viasnap-fit, adhesives, sonic welding, solvent bonding, other suitablemethods of adhering, or any combination thereof. The cap component 5481can include a male luer engagement 5485 on the second end 5404 of thefemale connector 5400. In some embodiments, the cap component 5481includes a fluid passageway 5418 extending from the second end of thefemale connector 5400 to the interior of the female housing 5440. Thefemale housing 5440 can include a female luer coupling portion 5446 onthe first end 5402 of the female connector 5400. Furthermore, the femaleluer coupling portion 5446 can include an alignment portion. Thealignment portion can be one or more indentations 5490 a. Theindentations 5490 a can be configured to releasably engage with the oneor more protrusions 5147 a on the struts 5150, as illustrated in FIG.83.

In some embodiments, the female connector 5400 includes a flexible tubemember 5487. The flexible tube member 5487 can have a generallycylindrical shape, an inner cross-section, an outer cross-section, anaxial centerline, one or more flared portions, and/or one or moretapered portions. The tube member 5487 can be housed within the femalehousing 5440 and/or within the cap component 5481. The tube member 5487can have a closed end and an opened end. In some embodiments, the closedend is generally adjacent the first end 5402 of the female connector5400. The closed end of the tube member 5487 can include an alignmentmember. In some embodiments, the alignment member on the tube member5487 is a protrusion 5490. The protrusion 5490 can be configured toreleasably engage with the indentation 5147 on the valve member 5116 ofthe male connector 5100. In some embodiments, both ends of the tubemember 5487 are closed. In some embodiments, the tube member includes anexpanded portion 5489. The expanded portion 5489 can be configured toaffect the overall stiffness of the tube member 5487. For example, thewidth of the expanded portion 5489 can affect the amount of forcerequired to displace the closed end of the tube member 5487 in the axialdirection.

In some embodiments, the tube member 5487 can define a fluid conduit5480. The fluid conduit 5480 can extend from the opened end of the tubemember 5487 to the closed end of the tube member 5487. In someembodiments, the tube member 5487 includes one or more ports 5488adjacent the closed end of the tube member 5487. The fluid conduit 5480can extend from the opened end of the tube member to the one or moreports 5488. The fluid conduit 5480 can be in fluid communication withthe fluid passageway 5418. In some embodiments, the tube member 5487includes one or more engagement portions such as, for example, a flange5483. The flange 5483 can be configured to engage with a receivingportion in the cap component 5481 and/or in the female housing 5440. Thereceiving portion, for example, can be a slot 5443 in the cap component5481. Engagement between the flange 5483 and the slot 5443 can inhibitthe tube member 5487 from moving out of the female connector 5400. Insome embodiments, engagement between the flange 5483 and the slot 5443helps stabilize the open end of the tube member 5487 and helps inhibitthe open end of the tube member 5487 from moving toward the first end5402 of the female connector 5400.

In some embodiments, the female connector 5400 can include acompressible seal element 5460. The compressible seal element 5460 caninclude a sealing portion 5462 and a compressible portion 5464. In someembodiments, the seal element 5460 is constructed of a plastic or someother rigid and/or semi-rigid polymer. In some embodiments, the sealelement 5460 is constructed of rubber, silicone, some other flexible orsemi-flexible material, or some combination thereof. The sealing portion5462 can have a generally cylindrical shape, an inner cross-section, andan outer cross-section. The inner cross-section of the sealing portion5462 can be substantially the same as the outer cross-section of thetube member 5487. In some embodiments, the inner cross-section of thesealing portion 5462 is substantially the same as the outercross-section of the tube member 5487 near the first end 5402 of thefemale connector 5400. In some embodiments, engagement between theclosed end of the tube member 5487 and the sealing portion 5462 cansubstantially seal the one or more ports 5488.

In some embodiments, the compressible portion 5464 is a compressionspring. In some embodiments, the compressible portion 5464 is a solidcompressible tube (e.g., a rubber tube), a braided compressible tube, orany other suitable compressible geometry and material. The sealingportion 5462 can include a retention feature such as, for example, anannular ridge 5467. In some embodiments, the inner wall 5449 of thefemale housing 5440 and the annular ridge 5467 can inhibit radialmigration of the compressible portion 5464. In some embodiments, the capcomponent 5481 can include a retention feature such as, for example, anannular ridge 5477. The annular ridge 5477 and inner wall 5449 caninhibit radial migration of the compressible portion 5464. In someembodiments, the sealing portion 5463 can include a stop 5468 such as,for example, a shoulder. The stop 5468 can engage with the femalehousing 5440 and can limit the movement of the sealing portion 5462toward the first end 5402 of the female connector 5400.

As illustrated in FIGS. 83-84, the female connector 5400 can beconfigured to mate with the male connector 5100. As illustrated in FIG.83, the male connector 5100 can be configured such that the male luertip 5122 comes into contact with the sealing portion 5462 of thecompressible seal element 5460 before the struts 5150 come into contactwith the female luer coupling portion 5446. In some configurations, atleast a portion of the male luer tip 5122 can advance into the femaleconnector 5400. Advancement of the male luer tip 5122 into the femaleconnector 5400 can cause the compressible seal element 5460 to movetoward the second end 5404 of the female connector 5400.

As the female connector 5400 is mated with the male connector 5100, theindentation 5147 of the closed end 5144 of the valve member 5116 canengage with the protrusion 5490 on the closed end of the flexible tubemember 5487. In some embodiments, the closed end 5144 of the valvemember 5116 can advance into the female connector 5400 as the maleconnector 5100 is mated with the female connector 5400. For example, theclosed end 5144 of the valve member 5116 can enter the female connectorat the same rate the male luer tip 5122 enters the female connectorbefore the struts 5150 come into contact with the female luer couplingportion 5446. Movement of the closed end 5144 of the valve member 5116into the female connector can cause the expanded portion 5489 of theflexible tube member 5487 to compress. Compression of the expandedportion 5489 can create a spring force within the expanded portion 5489that can bias the closed end of the flexible tube member 5487 toward thefirst end 5402 of the female connector 5400. In some embodiments, thebiasing force of the expanded portion 5489 can help ensure that theindentation 5147 of the closed end 5144 of the valve member 5116 remainsengaged with the protrusion 5490 on the closed end of the flexible tubemember 5487 as the male luer tip 5122 is advanced toward the second end5404 of the female connector 5400. Such continued engagement between theclosed end of the flexible tube member 5487 and the closed end 5144 ofthe valve member 5116 can inhibit fluid from contacting the matingsurfaces 5176, 5466 of the valve member 5116 and flexible tube member5487, respectively.

In some embodiments, the compression spring rate of the flexible tubemember 5487 is less than the compression spring rate of the firstportion 5113 of the resilient member 5118. For example, the amount ofaxial force (e.g., the force generally parallel to the axial centerlineof the valve member 5116) required to push the valve member 5116 towardthe second end 5114 of the male connector can be greater than the axialforce required to push the closed end of the flexible tube member 5487toward the second end 5404 of the female connector 5400.

In some embodiments, the male luer tip 5122 and valve member 5116 pushthe seal element 5460 and the closed end of the flexible tube member5487, respectively, toward the second end of the female connector 5400until the one or more protrusions 5147 a of the struts 5150 engage withthe one or more indentations 5490 a on the female luer coupling portion5446. Upon engagement between the one or more protrusions 5147 a and theone or more indentations 5490 a, the valve member 5116 can be inhibitedfrom moving further toward the second end 5404 of the female connector5400. The male luer tip 5122 can, however, continue to advance into thefemale connector 5400 and push the compressible seal element 5460 towardthe second end 5404 of the female connector 5400. The furtheradvancement of the male luer tip 5122 and compressible seal element 5460toward the second end 5404 relative to the flexible tube member 5487 cancause the closed end of the flexible tube member 5487 to move at leastpartially into the annular chamber 5163 inside the male luer tip 5122.

In some embodiments, the further advancement of the male luer tip 5122into the female connector 5400 can cause the male housing 5123 to movetoward the second end 5404 of the female connector 5400 relative to theclosed end 5144 of the valve member 5116. Movement of the male housing5123 toward the second end 5404 of the female housing 5044 relative tothe valve member 5116 can cause the first portion 5113 of the resilientmember 5118 to compress. Compression of the first portion 5113 cancreate a spring force that can bias the valve member 5116 toward thefirst end 5112 of the male connector 5100. Such a biasing force can helpensure that the indentation 5147 of the closed end 5144 of the valvemember 5116 remains engaged with the protrusion 5490 on the closed endof the flexible tube member 5487 as the male luer tip 5122 is advancedtoward the second end 5404 of the female connector 5400.

In some embodiments, the sealing member 5119 is withdrawn from the oneor more ports 5162 of the valve member 5116 as the male luer tip 5122advances toward the second end 5404 of the female connector 5400relative to the valve member 5116, thus creating fluid communicationbetween the passageway 5156 and the annular chamber 5163 via the one ormore ports 5162. Furthermore, in some embodiments, entry of the closedend of the flexible tube member 5487 into the annular chamber 5163 canwithdraw the sealing portion 5462 of the compressible seal element 5460from the one or more ports 5488. Entry of the one or more ports 5488into the annular chamber 5163 can create fluid communication between thefluid conduit 5480 and the annular chamber 5163.

According to some configurations, movement of the male connector 5100toward the female connector 5400 after the struts 5150 come into contactwith the female luer coupling portion 5446 can cause the opened end 5145of the valve member 5116 to move toward the second end 5144 of the maleconnector 5400, relative to the cap component 5132. In some embodiments,the valve member 5116 has an axial length such that opened end 5145passes through the second end 5144 of the male connector 5100 when themale connector 5100 is fully connected with the female connector 5400(e.g., when the internal threads 5126 of the male connector 5100 arefully engaged with the female luer coupling portion 5446). In someembodiments, the opened end 5145 of the valve member 5116 passes throughthe valve on the portion 5111 of the resilient member 5118 when the maleconnector 5100 and the female connector 5400 are fully connected witheach other.

As illustrated in FIG. 84, the valve member 5116 can have an axiallength such that the opened end 5145 remains within the male connector5100 when the male connector 5100 is fully engaged with the femaleconnector 5400. In some embodiments, the resilient member 5118 isconfigured such that, upon advancement of a male luer tip 5052 into theluer receiver 5158, the valve on the portion 5111 is opened and theportion 5111 is withdrawn from the opened end 5145 of the valve member5116. In some embodiments, the interior of the male luer tip 5052 isbrought into fluid communication with the fluid passage 5418 of thefemale connector 5400 via the passageway 5156, the one or more ports5162, the annular chamber 5163, and the one or more ports 5488 and thefluid conduit 5480, when the male connector 5100 and female connector5400 are fully connected and the male luer tip 5052 is advanced into theluer receiver 5158, as illustrated in FIG. 84.

In some embodiments, withdrawal of the portion 5111 from the opened end5145 of the valve member 5116 can compress the second portion 5117 ofthe resilient member 5118. Compression of the second portion 5117 cancreate a spring force within the second portion 5117. Such spring forcecan bias the portion 5111 toward the second end 5114 such that theportion 5111 returns to the second end 5114 of the male connector 5100upon removal of the male luer tip 5052 form the male connector 5100.Return of the portion 5111 to the second end 5114 of the male connector5100 can cause the valve on the portion 5111 to close.

FIGS. 85-87 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 6000that comprises a male connector 6100 and a female connector 5400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 85-87 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 5000 andcorresponding male connector 5100 and female connector 5400, (e.g. maleconnector 5100 v. male connector 6100). It is to be understood thatcomponents or portions of the connector system 6000 can be the same infunction or are similar in function to previously-described componentsor portions. The connector system 6000 of FIGS. 85-87 shows certainvariations to the connector system 5000 of FIGS. 81-84.

In some embodiments, the male connector 6100 can include a resilientmember 6118. The resilient member 6118 can include a connection featuresuch as, for example an annular flange 6115. The flange 6115 can beconfigured to fit within a receiving feature such as, for example, aslot 6169. In some embodiments, the slot 6169 can be formed by twoannular ridges on the inner wall of the male housing 6123. In someembodiments, the slot 6169 can be a slot cut into the inner wall of themale housing 6123. In some embodiments, the receiving feature can be aseries coaxial ridge portions, similar to the retainer tabs 2171, 2173.The male connector 6100 is representative of certain aspects of theTexium® closed male luer connector sold by Carefusion Corporation, withsome additions and modifications. The male connector 6100 is shown inthis example being used with the female connector 5400, but any femaleconnector disclosed herein, or any components thereof, or any othersuitable female connector, can also be used with the male connector6100.

In some embodiments, the resilient member 6118 includes an end portion6111. In some embodiments, the male connector 6100 includes a valvemember 6116. The valve member 6116 can have an opened end 6145 and aclosed end 6144. In some embodiments, the end portion 6111 is configuredto fit snugly, tightly, or snugly around the opened end 6154 of thevalve member 6116. The end portion 6111 can include a valve. The valvecan be, for example, one or more slits, one or more small apertures, orany combination thereof. In some embodiments, the valve is normallyclosed. The end portion 6111 and valve can be configured to allow theopened end 6145 of the valve member 6116 to pass through the valve.

As illustrated in FIG. 87, the valve member 6116 can be configured suchthat the opened end 6145 of the valve member 6116 advances toward thesecond end 6114 of the male connector 6100 relative to the resilientmember 6118 when the male connector 6100 and female connector 5400 arefully connected (e.g., when the internal threads 6162 fully couple withthe female luer coupling portion 5446 of the female connector 5400).Advancement of the opened end 6145 of the valve member 6116 can causethe opened end 6145 to open and pass through the valve on the endportion 6111. In some configurations, the luer receiver 6158 can bebrought into fluid communication with the fluid passageway 5158, asillustrated in FIG. 87. In some embodiments, return of the opened end6145 of the valve member 6116 toward the first end 6112 of the maleconnector 6100 can cause the opened end 6145 to pass back through thevalve on the end portion 6111. In some such embodiments, the valve onthe end portion 6111 can return to a closed position when the opened end6145 passes back through the valve toward the first end 6112 of the maleconnector 6100.

FIGS. 88-89 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 7000that comprises a male connector 7100 and a female connector 2400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 88-89 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 2000 andcorresponding male connector 2100 and female connector 2400, (e.g. maleconnector 7100 v. male connector 2100). It is to be understood thatcomponents or portions of the connector system 7000 can be the same infunction or are similar in function to previously-described componentsor portions. The connector system 7000 of FIGS. 88-89 shows certainvariations to the connector system 2000 of FIGS. 53-65.

Male connector 7100 can include a first end 7112 and a second end 7114.The male connector 7100 can include a cap component 7132 and a malehousing 7123. The cap component 7132 can be fixed to the male housing7123 via adhesives, sonic welding, solvent bonding, snap-fitting, othersuitable feature or means of adhering, or some combination thereof. Thesecond end 7114 of the male connector 7100 can include a female luerengagement. The female luer engagement can include external threads7136. In some embodiments, the female luer engagement includes a luerreceiving port 7158. The luer receiving port 7158 can include an innercross-section. The male connector 7100 can include one or more occludingfeatures which selectively seal the receiving port 7158. In someembodiments, the occluding features can transition between a sealingconfiguration and an open configuration.

In some embodiments, the occluding feature can be a resilient seal 7185.The resilient seal 7185 can include sealing portion 7111 adjacent thesecond end 7114 of the male connector 7100. The sealing portion 7111 cansubstantially fill the inner cross-section of the luer receiving port7158. In some embodiments, the sealing portion 7111 can include a valve.The valve can be, for example, one or more slits, one or more pin holes,or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the valve in thesealing portion 7111 is normally closed. In some embodiments, the valvein the sealing portion 7111 is normally opened and is biased closed bythe engagement between the sealing portion 7111 and the luer receivingport 7158. The resilient seal 7158 can be configured to transitionbetween an opened configuration (e.g., when the valve in sealing portion7111 is opened, as illustrated in FIG. 89) and a closed configuration(e.g., when the valve in the sealing portion 7111 is closed, asillustrated in FIG. 88).

In some embodiments, the resilient seal 7185 includes a restrainingportion 7115. The restraining portion 7115 can be an annular projection,one or more radial projections, an annular flange, or any other suitablefeature or combination of features. In some embodiments, the restrainingportion 7115 is configured to engage with a retaining feature 7169 onthe cap component 7123. The retaining feature 7169 can be a taperedportion, an inwardly-projecting feature (e.g., a flange or series offlange portions), or any feature suitable for retaining the restrainingportion 7115 of the resilient seal 7185. In some embodiments, engagementbetween the restraining portion 7115 and the retaining feature 7169inhibits movement of the resilient seal 7185 out of the cap component7132. In some embodiments, engagement between the restraining portion7115 and the retaining feature 7169 helps maintain the sealing portion7111 in a fixed axial position when the resilient seal 7815 is in theclosed configuration.

In some embodiments, the male connector 7100 includes a channel member7157. The channel member 7157 can be at least partially contained withinthe resilient seal 7185. In some embodiments, the channel member 7157can include a connecting portion 7168 configured to connect the channelmember 7157 to the cap component 7132. In some embodiments, theconnecting portion 7168 is an annular projection configured to engagewith an engagement feature 7167 on the cap component 7132. Theengagement feature can be an annular groove. In some embodiments, thechannel member 7157 can be connected to the cap component 7132 viasnap-fitting, adhesives, solvent bonding, sonic welding, other suitablemeans of adhering, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, thechannel member 7157 can be affixed to the male housing 7123 viasnap-fitting, adhesives, solvent bonding, sonic welding, other suitablemeans of adhering, or any combination thereof.

The channel member 7157 can define a conduit 7194. The conduit 7194 canextend through the channel member 7157. In some embodiments, the channelmember 7157 has a closed end 7145 and an opened end. The channel member7157 can have one or more ports 7163 adjacent the closed end 7145. Insome embodiments, the conduit 7194 extends from the opened end of thechannel member 7157 to the one or more ports 7163. In some embodiments,the conduit 7194 is in fluid communication with a passageway 7156 withinthe male housing 7123. In some embodiments, the resilient seal 7185 isconfigured to inhibit fluid from passing from within the conduit 7194out through the one or more ports 7163 when the resilient member 7185 isin the closed configuration.

The first end 7112 of the male connector 7100 can be configured to matewith the first end 2402 of the female connector 2100 in a same orsimilar manner as the male connector 2100. In some embodiments, the luerreceiving port 7158 can be configured to receive a male luer tip 7052.The sealing portion 7111 of the resilient seal 7185 can be configured towithdraw from the one or more ports 7163 near the closed end 7145 of thechannel member 7157 as the male luer tip 7052 is advanced into the luerreceiving port 7158. Withdrawal of the sealing portion 7111 from the oneor more ports 7163 can create a spring force in the resilient seal 7185.Such a spring force can bias the sealing portion 7111 toward the secondend 7114 of the male connector 7100 such that the resilient seal 7185returns to the closed configuration upon withdrawal of the male luer tip7052 from the male connector 7100. Furthermore, withdrawal of thesealing portion 7111 from the one or more ports 7163 can bring theinterior of the male luer tip 7052 into fluid communication with thefluid passageway 1418 of the female connector 2400 when the maleconnector 7100 is fully mated with the female connector 2400, asillustrated in FIG. 89.

A second end 7114 similar to or identical to the one illustrated in FIG.88 (e.g., a second end including a resilient seal 7185 and a channelmember 7157) can be used in combination with any of the male connectors100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 5100, 6100, 8100, 9100 disclosed herein. Theconnector system 7000, in the illustrated example, or as modified, canprovide a connector that is sealed on a plurality openings (e.g., onemale and one female).

FIGS. 90-93 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 8000that comprises a male connector 8100 and a female connector 8400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 90-93 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 2000 andcorresponding male connector 2100 and female connector 2400, (e.g. maleconnector 9100 v. male connector 2100). It is to be understood thatcomponents or portions of the connector system 8000 can be the same infunction or are similar in function to previously-described componentsor portions. The connector system 8000 of FIGS. 90-93 shows certainvariations to the connector system 2000 of FIGS. 53-65.

As illustrated in FIG. 90, male connector 8100 can have a first end 8112and a second end 8114. The male connector 8100 can include a first capcomponent 8132 and a second cap component 8134. The first cap component8132 can be near the second end 8114 and can connect with the second capcomponent 8134 via adhesives, sonic welding, solvent bonding,snap-fitting, other suitable feature or means of adhering, or somecombination thereof. In some embodiments, the first cap component 8132and the second cap component 8134 form a unitary part. The maleconnector 8100 can include a male housing 8123 configured to connect tothe second cap component 8134 via adhesives, sonic welding, solventbonding, snap-fitting, other suitable feature or means of adhering, orsome combination thereof. The male housing 8123 can include a shroud2124. In some embodiments, the male connector 8100 has one or morecoupling elements such as, for example, one or more tabs 2125 with hooks2127.

In some embodiments, the male connector 8100 includes a male luer tip8122. The male luer tip 8122 can have a first tip component 8122 aconnected to a second tip component 8122 b via adhesives, sonic welding,solvent bonding, snap-fitting, other suitable feature or means ofadhering, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the firsttip component 8122 a and the second tip component 8122 b form a unitarypart. The male luer tip 8122 can, in some embodiments, be housed withinthe shroud 2124. In some embodiments, the male luer tip 8122 extendsoutside the shroud 2124 toward the first end 8112 of the male connector8100.

In some configurations, the male connector 8110 can include a valvemember 8116. The valve member 8116 can have a generally cylindricalshape, an axial centerline, an axial length, an inner cross-section,and/or an outer cross-section. In some embodiments, the valve member8116 is configured to transition between a closed configuration (e.g.,as illustrated in FIG. 90) and an opened configuration (e.g., asillustrated in FIG. 93). The valve member 8116 can be housed at leastpartially within the male luer tip 8122. The valve member 8116 can havea closed end and an opened end. In some embodiments, the opened end ofthe valve member 8116 is on the end of the valve member 8116 closest tothe second end 8114 of the male connector 8100. In some embodiments, thevalve member has two closed ends. In some embodiments, the valve memberhas two opened ends. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 90, theclosed end of the valve member 8116 has a mating surface 8146. Themating surface 8146 can be sized and shaped to be coupled in a mannerthat forms a tight, fluid-resistant interface with the mating surface8486 on the female connector 8400. For example, the mating surface 8146can include one or more alignment features such as, for example, one ormore protrusions or indentations. In some embodiments, the matingsurface 8146 has a non-planar shape (e.g., a convex shape, a concaveshape, or a shape with multiple concavities and/or convexities)configured to generally match, compliment, or correspond to anothernon-planar shape on the mating surface 8486 on the female connector8400. In some embodiments, either or both of the matching,complimenting, or corresponding surfaces 8146, 8486 can generally extendacross the outer, leading, movable or pierceable surfaces of the valvemembers that are exposed to ambient when the connectors are closed.

The valve member 8116 can include a fluid passageway 8156. The valvemember 8116 can include one or more ports 8162 near the closed end ofthe valve member 8116. In some embodiments, the fluid passageway 8156extends between the one or more ports 8162 and the opened end of thevalve member 8116. In some variants, the male luer tip 8122 can includea luer tip seal 8119. The luer tip seal 8119 can be sized to fit aroundthe outer cross-section of the valve member 8116. In some embodiments,the luer tip seal 8119 is a flexible O-ring or some other appropriatecomponent for providing a fluid-tight seal. The valve member 8116 caninclude a sealing member 8120. The sealing member can be a flexibleO-ring or some other appropriate component for providing a fluid-tightseal. The sealing member 8120 can be configured to engage with a surfacefeature on the outer cross-section of the valve member 8116. Forexample, the outer surface of the valve member 8116 can include anannular groove 8169. The sealing member 8120 can be sized to engage withthe annular groove 8169. In some embodiments, the sealing member 8120 isconfigured to engage with the inner cross-section of the male luer tip8122 to create a substantially fluid-tight seal. In some embodiments,engagement between the sealing member 8120 and the inner cross-sectionof the male luer tip 8122 can inhibit fluid from leaking past thesealing member 8120 in either axial direction.

The space within the inner cross-section of the male luer tip 8122, theouter cross-section of the valve member 8116, the luer tip seal 8119,and the sealing member 8120 (e.g., the annular space 8163, illustratedin FIG. 90) can facilitate fluid communication between the fluidpassageway 8156 and the female connector 8400 when the valve member 8116is in the opened configuration. In some embodiments, the volume of theannular space 8163 can change as the valve member 8116 is translated inthe axial direction. The sealing member 8120 can be configured to wipethe inner cross-sectional surface of the male luer tip 8122 as the valvemember 8116 is moved in the axial direction. In some embodiments, theluer tip seal 8119 inhibits leakage of fluid from the annular space 8163to the exterior of the male luer tip 8122 when the valve member 8116 isin the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the male connector 8100 includes a plunger 8170.The plunger 8170 can have a generally cylindrical shape, an innercross-section, an outer cross-section, an axial centerline, and an axiallength. In some embodiments, the plunger 8170 includes a conduit 8194.The conduit 8194 can extend through the axial length of the plunger8170. In some embodiments, the fluid passageway 8156 has a cross-sectiondefined by the inner cross-section of the valve member 8116. The innercross-section of the valve member 8116 can be configured to generallyconform to the outer cross-section of the plunger 8170. In someembodiments, the plunger 8170 can include a seal such as, for example,an O-ring 8160. The O-ring 8160 can be configured to engage with asurface feature on the outer cross-section of the plunger 8170. Forexample, the O-ring 8160 can be configured to engage with an annulargroove 8169. In some embodiments, the O-ring 8160 is configured toengage with the inner cross-section of the valve member 8116 to form asubstantially fluid-tight seal. The O-ring 8160 can be configured toinhibit fluid from bypassing the conduit 8194 through the opened end ofthe valve member 8116.

The male connector 8100 can include a resilient or flexible closuremember 8118. In some embodiments, the resilient member 8118 can be aflexible jacket configured to fit around the outer cross-section of thevalve member 8116. The resilient member 8118 can include a first anchorportion 8113. The first anchor portion 8113 can be configured to engagewith a cavity 8167 in the first tip component 8122 a and/or the secondtip component 8122 b. In some embodiments, the resilient member 8118 caninclude a second anchor portion 8117. The second anchor portion 8117 canbe an annular ring configured to engage with a shoulder 8171 on thevalve member 8116. In some embodiments, the resilient member 8118includes a rebound portion 8115. The rebound portion 8115 can beattached to the first anchor portion 8113 and/or to the second anchorportion 8117.

The female connector 8400 can be substantially the same as or similar tothe female connector 2400. The female connector 8400 can have a firstend 8402 and a second end 8404. In some embodiments, the femaleconnector 8400 includes a female housing 8440 generally adjacent thefirst end 8402 of the female connector 8400. The female housing 8440 canhave a generally cylindrical shape, an inner cross-section, an outercross-section, an axial centerline, and an axial length. In someembodiments, the female housing 8440 includes a channel 8444 near thefirst end 8402 of the female connector 8400. In some embodiments, thechannel 8444 is annular. In some embodiments, the channel 8444 includesa plurality of semi-annular channel portions.

In some embodiments, the female connector 8400 includes a fluid conduitportion 8480. The fluid conduit portion 8480 can be configured toconnect to the female housing 8440 near the second end 8404 of thefemale connector 8400. In some embodiments, the fluid conduit portion8480 and the female housing 8440 can form a unitary part. The fluidconduit portion 8480 can include a tube 8487 having a generallycylindrical shape, an inner cross-section, an outer cross-section, anaxial centerline, and an axial length. In some embodiments, the tube8487 has one or more tapered, flared, and/or stepped portions along itsaxial length. In some configurations, the axial length of the tube 8487can be approximately the same as the axial length of the female housing8440. In some embodiments, the axial length of the tube 8487 is greaterthan or equal to about 75% the axial length of the female housing 8440and/or less than or equal to about 125% the axial length of the femalehousing 8440. In some embodiments, the axial length of the tube 8487 isapproximately at least about 85% the axial length of the female housing8440. As illustrated, the axial length of the tube 8487 can be longerthan the axial length of the female housing 8440. In some embodiments,the tube 8487 has a mating surface 8486 near the first end 8402 of thefemale connector 8400. The mating surface 8486 can include one or moreengagement features. For example, the mating surface can have one ormore protrusions and/or indentations configured to engage with one ormore protrusion and/or indentations on the first end 8112 of the maleconnector 8100. In some embodiments, the mating surface 8486 has aconcave shape to correspond with the convex shape of the mating surface8146.

The tube 8487 can include one or more ports 8488 near the first end 8402of the female housing 8440. In some embodiments, the tube 8487 and/orfluid conduit portion 8480 can define a fluid passageway 8418. The fluidpassageway 8418 can extend from the one or more ports 8488 to the secondend 8404 of the female connector 8400.

The female connector 8400 can include a seal element 8460. The sealelement can have a generally cylindrical shape, an inner cross-section,an outer cross-section, an axial centerline, and an axial length. Insome embodiments, the axial length of the seal element 8460 isapproximately the same as the axial length of the female housing 8440.The seal element 8460 can be configured to transition between an openedconfiguration (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 93) and a closedconfiguration (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 91). In some embodiments,the seal element 8460 is configured to be positioned at least partiallywithin the female housing 8440. The seal element 8460 can include ashoulder 8468 configured to engage with the female housing 8440 andretain the seal element 8460 within the female housing 8440. The sealelement 8460 can include a sealing portion 8462 near the first end 8402of the female connector 8400. The inner cross-sectional size and/orshape of the sealing portion 8462 can be configured to match orgenerally correspond to size and/or shape of the outer cross-section ofthe tube 8487. In some embodiments, the sealing portion 8462 isconfigured to inhibit fluid flow through the one or more ports 8488 whenthe seal element 1460 is in the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the outer cross-sectional width orouter diameter of the tube 8487 can be very large. For example, asshown, the area of the proximal mating surface 8486 of the tube 8487that is exposed when the female connector 8400 is closed (or that iswithin the sealing element 8460) can comprise a majority or nearly amajority of the area within and bounded by the outer perimeter of theproximal end 8466 of the sealing element 8460. In some embodiments, asillustrated, the cross-sectional width of the proximal mating surface8486 of the tube 8487 that is exposed when the female connector 8400 isclosed (or that is within the sealing element 8460) can be about half aslarge as, or nearly about half as large as, the proximal opening in thefemale connector. As show, the cross-sectional width of the proximalmating surface 8486 of the tube 8487 can be about the same size as orlarger than the inner diameter and/or outer diameter of the distal maletip of the female connector. As illustrated, in some embodiments, thedifference between the outer diameter (or cross-sectional width) of thetube 8487 at the proximal end thereof, or in the region positionedwithin the neck of the housing in the closed position, and the innerdiameter (or cross-sectional width) of the proximal opening on thehousing is approximately the same size as, or slightly larger than, thethickness of the wall of the sealing element 8460 at or near theproximal end. In some embodiments, the outer cross-section of the tube8487 can be greater than or equal to about 10% the size of the outercross-section of the female housing 8440 and/or less than or equal toabout 60% the size of the outer cross-section of the female housing 8440at the first end 8402 of the female connector 8400. In some embodiments,the outer cross-section of the tube 8487 is approximately at least about30% as great as the size of the outer cross-section of the femalehousing 8440 at the first end 8402 of the female connector 8400. Theouter cross-section of the tube 8487 can be greater than or equal toabout 20% the size of the outer cross-section of the sealing portion8462 and/or less than or equal to about 80% the size of the outercross-section of the sealing portion 8462. In some embodiments, theouter cross-section of the tube 8487 is approximately 55% or greaterthan the size of the outer cross-section of the sealing portion 8462.Many variations in the relative sizes of the outer cross-sections of thetube 8487, the female housing 8440 and the sealing portion 8462 arepossible. In some embodiments, the outer cross-section of the tube 8487at the first end 8402 of the female connector 8400 is configured to besubstantially identical to the outer cross-section of the valve member8116 at the first end 8112 of the male connector 8100. In someembodiments, the inner cross-section of the female housing 8440 at thefirst end 8402 of the female connector is configured to be greater thanthe outer cross-section of the male luer tip 8122 at the first end 8112of the male connector 8100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 92 and 93, the female connector 8400 and themale connector 8100 can be configured to mate with each other. In someembodiments, advancement of the male luer tip 8122 into the femalehousing 8440 can push the sealing portion 8462 of the seal element 8460toward the second end 8404 of the female connector 8400 relative to theone or more ports 8488. Withdrawal of the sealing portion 8462 from theone or more ports 8488 can create fluid communication between the fluidpassageway 8418 and the annular space 8163. In some embodiments, theadvancement of the male luer tip 8122 into the female housing 8440 cancause the tube 8487 to advance into the male luer tip 8122. Advancementof the tube 8487 into the male luer tip 8122 can push the valve member8116 toward the second end 8114 of the male connector 8100 with respectto the male luer tip 8122. In some such embodiments, the sealing member8120 moves toward the second end 8114 of the male connector 8100 withrespect to the male luer tip 8122. Such movement of the sealing member8120 can increase the axial length of the annular space 8163. In someembodiments, full engagement (e.g., engagement between the hooks 2127and the channel 8444, as illustrated in FIG. 93) of the male connector8100 with the female connector 8400 can facilitate fluid communicationbetween the conduit 8194 and the fluid passageway 8418 via the one ormore ports 8488, one or more ports 8162, and the annular space 8163.

In some embodiments, the rebound portion 8115 can be configured tostretch when the valve member 8116 is pushed toward the second end 8114of the male connector 8100. In some embodiments, stretching of therebound portion 8115 can cause the rebound portion 8115 to exert areturning force upon the valve member 8116. In some such embodiments,the returning force of the rebound portion 8115 can cause the valvemember 8116 to move toward the first end 8112 of the male connector 8100as the tube 8487 or other source of pushing is withdrawn from the maleluer tip 8122. Such movement of the valve member 8116 toward the firstend 8112 can return the valve member 8116 to the closed configuration.In some embodiments, the returning force of the rebound portion 8115 canhelp ensure that the mating surfaces 8486, 8186 remain in contact witheach other as the tube member 8487 is advanced into and withdrawn fromthe male luer tip 8122. Such contact can help to inhibit fluid fromcontacting the mating surface 8486, 8186 while the valve member 8116 isin the opened configuration.

FIGS. 94-96 illustrate another embodiment of a connector system 9000that comprises a male connector 9100 and a female connector 8400. Somenumerical references to components in FIGS. 94-96 are the same as orsimilar to those previously described for the connector system 8000 andcorresponding male connector 8100 and female connector 8400, (e.g. maleconnector 9100 v. male connector 8100). It is to be understood thatcomponents or portions of the connector system 9000 can be the same infunction or are similar in function to previously-described componentsor portions. The connector system 9000 of FIGS. 94-96 shows certainvariations to the connector system 8000 of FIGS. 90-93.

The male connector 9100 can be substantially similar to the maleconnector 8100. In some embodiments, the male connector 9100 includes avalve member 9116 which can be housed at least partially within a maleluer tip 9122. In some embodiments, the valve member 9116 comprises afirst valve portion 9116 a and a second valve portion 9116 b. In someembodiments, the first valve portion 9116 a and the second valve portion9116 b are connected to each other via adhesives, sonic welding, solventbonding, snap-fitting, other suitable feature or means of adhering, orsome combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first valve portion9116 a and the second valve portion 9116 b form a unitary part.Similarly, in some embodiments, the male luer tip 9122 comprises a firsttip portion 9122 a and a second tip portion 9122 b. In some embodiments,the first tip portion 9122 a and the second tip portion 9122 b areconnected to each other via adhesives, sonic welding, solvent bonding,snap-fitting, other suitable feature or means of adhering, or somecombination thereof. In some embodiments, the first tip portion 9122 aand the second tip portion 9122 b form a unitary part. The valve member9116 can include a stabilizing feature, such as, for example, an annularflange 9149. The annular flange 9149 can be configured to engage withthe inner wall of the male luer tip 9122. In some embodiments, suchengagement can help inhibit the valve member 9116 from tilting off axiswithin the male luer tip 9122.

In some embodiments, the male connector 9100 can include a resilientmember 9118. The resilient member 9118 can include a first anchorportion 9113. In some embodiments, the first anchor portion 9113 isconfigured to engage with a cavity 9167 in the first tip portion 9122 aand/or with a cavity in the second tip portion 9122 b, such that theanchor portion 9113 is positioned between and held in place by at leasttwo portions of the housing. The first anchor portion 9113 can beconfigured to inhibit the resilient member 9118 from disengaging fromthe male luer tip 9122 when the first anchor portion 9113 is installedin the male luer tip 9122. The resilient member 9118 can include asecond anchor portion 9117. In some embodiments, the first and secondanchor portions 9113, 9117 comprise portions of a generally continuousring or ridge extending generally around the resilient member 9118. Therebound portion 9115 can, in some embodiments, also function as a fluidseal. In some embodiments, the second anchor portion 9117 is configuredto engage with a slot or cavity 9171 in the first valve portion 9116 aand/or with a slot or cavity in the second valve portion 9116 b. Thesecond anchor portion 9117 can be configured to inhibit the resilientmember 9118 from disengaging from the valve member 9116 when the secondanchor portion 9117 is installed in the valve member 9116.

The resilient member 9118 can include a rebound portion 9115 connectingthe first anchor portion 9113 to the second anchor portion 9117. In someembodiments, the first and second anchor portion 9113, 9117 and therebound portion 9115 each have an annular shape. In some embodiments, aplurality of first and second anchor portions 9113, 9117 and/or aplurality of rebound portions 9115 can be used.

In some embodiments, the rebound portion 9115 is configured to functionin the same or a similar manner to the rebound portion 8115 describedabove. For example, the rebound portion 9115 can be configured tostretch when the valve member 9116 is pushed toward the second end 9114of the male connector 9100, as illustrated in FIG. 96. In someembodiments, stretching of the rebound portion 9115 can cause therebound portion 9115 to exert a returning force upon the valve member9116. In some such embodiments, the returning force of the reboundportion 9115 can cause the valve member 9116 to move toward the firstend 9112 of the male connector 9100 as the source of pushing iswithdrawn from the male luer tip 9122.

Any features of the embodiments shown and/or described in the figuresthat have not been expressly described in this text, such as distances,proportions of components, etc. are also intended to form part of thisdisclosure. Additionally, although this invention has been disclosed inthe context of various embodiments, features, aspects, and examples, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various features and aspects of the disclosedembodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another inorder to perform varying modes of the disclosed inventions. For example,and without limitation, ANSI compliant and/or ANSI non-compliantconnecting structures can be used to enable connection between thedisclosed connector systems, connectors, and subcomponents. Moreover,any component or combination of components disclosed herein can be usedin other structures or configurations of medical connectors. Thus, it isintended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed shouldnot be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above,but should be determined only by a proper reading of the claims.

The following is claimed:
 1. A medical connector system comprising: afirst medical connector comprising: a first region comprising a femaleportion; a second region comprising a male portion with a resilientseal; a first engagement structure; and a valve member being moveablewithin the male portion between a closed position and an openedposition, the valve member comprising a first mating surface; and asecond medical connector comprising: a female region being configured toreceive the male portion of the first medical connector; a secondengagement structure; a fluid conduit comprising a second matingsurface; and a resilient seal element being moveable between a closedconfiguration and an opened configuration; wherein the first and secondmedical connectors are configured to be attached together by moving thefirst and second medical connectors toward each other in a substantiallylinear motion without requiring rotation; wherein, when the first andsecond medical connectors are attached, the resilient seal of the firstmedical connector is configured to sealingly contact the resilient sealelement of the second medical connector; and wherein the first matingsurface of the valve member is configured to be coupled with the secondmating surface of the second medical connector in a manner that inhibitsfluid penetration between the first mating surface and the second matingsurface when fluid flows through the first medical connector and thesecond medical connector when attached.
 2. The closed medical connectorsystem of claim 1, wherein the medical connector system produces anaudible click when the first and second medical connectors are attached.3. The closed medical connector system of claim 1, wherein the firstengagement structure of the first medical connector comprises a movablehook, and wherein the first medical connector further comprises arelease structure comprising a tab, the release structure beingconfigured to release the hook from the second engagement structure ofthe second medical connector.
 4. The closed medical connector system ofclaim 1, wherein a proximal end of the fluid conduit is exposed to aregion outside of the second medical connector when the first medicalconnector and the second medical connector are disconnected.
 5. Theclosed medical connector system of claim 1, wherein the first medicalconnector and the second medical connector can rotate with respect toeach other while attached.
 6. The closed medical connector system ofclaim 1, wherein the valve member of the first medical connector furthercomprises an interior fluid passageway.
 7. The closed medical connectorsystem of claim 1, wherein a shroud of the first medical connectorcomprises a continuous circular band at a distal end of the firstmedical connector.
 8. The closed medical connector system of claim 7,wherein a distal end of the male portion of the first medical connectoris recessed proximally from a distal end of the shroud of the firstmedical connector.
 9. The closed medical connector system of claim 1,wherein a proximal end of the resilient seal element of the secondmedical connector is generally flush with a proximal end of the secondmedical connector in the closed configuration.
 10. The closed medicalconnector system of claim 1, wherein the first region of the firstmedical connector does not rotate with respect to the second region ofthe first medical connector in an initial stage of use.
 11. The closedmedical connector system of claim 10, wherein the first medicalconnector transitions from the initial stage of use to a subsequentstage of use in which the first region and the second region can berotated with respect to each other.
 12. A medical connector systemcomprising: a first medical connector comprising: a first regioncomprising a female portion; a second region comprising a non-luer maleportion with a resilient seal; a first engagement structure; and a valvemember being moveable within the male portion between a closed positionand an opened position, the valve member comprising a first matingsurface; and a second medical connector comprising: a non-luer femaleregion being configured to receive the non-luer male portion of thefirst medical connector; a second engagement structure; a fluid conduitcomprising a second mating surface; and a resilient seal element beingmoveable between a closed configuration and an opened configuration;wherein the first and second medical connectors are configured to beattached together by moving the first and second medical connectorstoward each other in a substantially linear motion without requiringrotation, wherein, when the first and second medical connectors areattached, the resilient seal of the first medical connector isconfigured to sealingly contact the resilient seal element of the secondmedical connector, and wherein the first mating surface of the valvemember is configured to be coupled with the second mating surface of thesecond medical connector in a manner that inhibits fluid penetrationbetween the first mating surface and the second mating surface whenfluid flows through the first medical connector and the second medicalconnectors when attached.
 13. The medical connector system of claim 12,wherein after the first medical connector is decoupled from the secondmedical connector, there is no residual fluid on the first or secondmating surfaces.
 14. The medical connector system of claim 12, whereinany negligible amount of residual fluid remaining on an external surfaceof either of the first or second medical connectors after decoupling issmall enough as to present no significant functional disadvantages orhealth hazards in the particular application of the medical connectorsystem.
 15. The medical connector system of claim 12, wherein the valvemember further comprises an internal fluid pathway being configured toreceive medical fluid.
 16. The medical connector system of claim 12,further comprising a shroud of the first medical connector.
 17. Themedical connector system of claim 16, wherein the first engagementstructure of the first medical connector is part of the shroud.
 18. Themedical connector system of claim 17, wherein the shroud of the firstmedical connector extends completely around the non-luer male portion.19. A medical connector system comprising: a first medical connectorcomprising: a first region comprising a female portion; a second regioncomprising a male portion with a resilient seal; a first engagementstructure; and a valve member being moveable within the male portion ofthe first medical connector between a closed position and an openedposition, the valve member being biased toward the closed position witha biasing member, the valve member comprising a first mating surfacewith a first substantially flat, closed distal end; and a second medicalconnector comprising: a female region being configured to receive themale portion of the first medical connector; a second engagementstructure; a fluid conduit comprising a second mating surface with asecond substantially flat, closed proximal end with one or more sideports; and a resilient seal element being moveable between a closedconfiguration and an opened configuration; wherein the first and secondmedical connectors are configured to be attached together by moving thefirst and second medical connectors toward each other in a substantiallylinear motion without requiring rotation; wherein, when the first andsecond medical connectors are attached, the resilient seal of the firstmedical connector is configured to sealingly contact the resilient sealelement of the second medical connector; and wherein the first matingsurface of the valve member is configured to be coupled with the secondmating surface of the second medical connector in a manner that inhibitsfluid penetration between the first mating surface and the second matingsurface when fluid flows through the first medical connector and thesecond medical connector when attached.
 20. The medical connector systemof claim 19, wherein one of the first mating surface and the secondmating surface comprises a protrusion, and wherein the other of thefirst mating surface and the second mating surface comprises a recessbeing configured to engage the protrusion when the first medicalconnector and the second medical connector are attached.
 21. The medicalconnector system of claim 19, wherein the biasing member of the firstmedical connector comprises a spring.
 22. A medical connector systemcomprising: a first medical connector comprising: a first regioncomprising a female portion; a second region comprising a male portionwith a resilient seal; a first engagement structure; and a valve memberbeing moveable within the male portion of the first medical connectorbetween a closed position and an opened position, the valve membercomprising a first mating surface; and a second medical connectorcomprising: a female region being configured to receive the male portionof the first medical connector; a second engagement structure; a fluidconduit comprising a second mating surface; and a resilient seal elementbeing moveable between a closed configuration and an openedconfiguration; wherein the first and second medical connectors areattachable to each other by moving the first and second medicalconnectors toward each other in a substantially linear motion withoutrequiring rotation, wherein the first and second medical connectors arereleasable from each other by pressing laterally inwardly on one or morerelease structures; wherein, when the first and second medicalconnectors are attached, the resilient seal of the first medicalconnector is configured to sealingly contact the resilient seal elementof the second medical connector; and wherein the first mating surface ofthe valve member is configured to be coupled with the second matingsurface of the second medical connector in a manner that inhibits fluidpenetration between the first mating surface and the second matingsurface when fluid flows through the first medical connector and thesecond medical connector.